Naveen Patnaik set to rejig ministry on Monday, likely to keep eye on 2024 polls

Both Samir Ranjan and Sahu had courted controversy, which could have been the possible reason for their exit.

Governor Ganeshi Lal, who is currently in his home state, Haryana, is expected to reach here on Sunday evening, sources in Raj Bhavan said. The oath-taking event is scheduled to take place at 9.30 am at the State Convention Centre.

According to BJD insiders, the Chief Minister is likely to make phone calls on Sunday evening to inform leaders who are likely to be inducted in his team. Some of the young and non-controversial faces are expected to make it to the council of ministers.

Several BJD legislators whose names are doing the rounds for induction in the ministry have been camping in the state capital for the last few days.

Patnaik may strike a balance among different regions of the state — coastal, western and southern zones — while picking the three ministers, keeping in mind next year’s twin-elections. Considering his focus on women, the Chief Minister may also induct a woman leader in his team — at present, there are five women in the 21-member council of ministers.

Apart from Cabinet reshuffle, the Chief Minister will also have to nominate a senior MLA for the position of Speaker of the Assembly after the recent resignation of Bikram Keshari Arukha from the position.

Arukha, a six-time MLA who has represented Bhanjanagar constituency in the CM’s home district Ganjam since 1995, was elected as Speaker of the Assembly in June last year. Before that, he had held several key portfolios in the Cabinet since 2009.

Arukha is likely to be re-inducted in the Cabinet, or else he may get a key organisational charge in Ganjam, sources indicated.