Naveen to drop half of ministers for young faces

The BJD won 117 of the 147 seats in the recently held Assembly elections, securing over 43 per cent of the total votes.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Sunday was formally elected as the leader of the Biju Janata Dal legislature party here by its 116 newly elected members. He is likely to take oath as the Chief Minister for the fourth time on May 21.

The BJD won 117 of the 147 seats in the recently held Assembly elections, securing over 43 per cent of the total votes.

The BJD chief is likely to drop at least half of his members from previous council of ministers, and bring in younger and non-controversial faces. The new Assembly is also likely to have a woman as a Speaker.

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Earlier in the day, 10-time MLA V Sugnani Kumari Deo proposed Naveen’s name as the BJD legislature party leader, which was supported by Paradip MLA and outgoing Health Minister Damodar Rout.

“I thank the newly elected MLAs of Biju Janata Dal for electing me as their leader. We will work with renewed energy for the development of the people of the state,” Naveen said after being elected as the legislature party leader

Meanwhile, the process for the constitution of the new Assembly began Sunday with Chief Electoral Officer Mona Sharma meeting Governor S C Jamir at the Raj Bhawan here. The CEO presented the gazette notification to the Governor.

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