Odisha, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, has been governed by a series of dynamic leaders who have steered the state through various challenges and developments. The list of former Chief Ministers of Odisha is a chronicle of political evolution and administrative milestones that have shaped the state’s trajectory. Let’s delve into the annals of Odisha’s political history and explore the individuals who have held the helm as Chief Ministers.
Chief Ministers of Odisha
Since April 1946, Odisha has been governed by a total of 14 Chief Ministers, with the current longest-serving leader being Naveen Patnaik, who assumed office in March 2000. Naveen Patnaik represents the Biju Janata Dal party and has left an enduring mark on the state’s political landscape. However, Odisha has also witnessed periods of President’s rule on six occasions, highlighting moments of political instability. Over the years, the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Biju Janata Dal have emerged as the major ruling parties in the state, shaping its governance and policies.
First Chief Minister of Odisha
Shri Harekrushna Mahatab, a member of the Indian National Congress, served as Odisha’s inaugural Chief Minister from 1946 to 1950. His tenure marked the dawn of governance in the newly formed state, where he laid foundational policies and initiatives. Mahatab’s leadership during this crucial period set the tone for Odisha’s political trajectory, establishing a precedent for future administrations to follow.
Current Chief Minister of Odisha
Naveen Patnaik, an Indian politician and author, has been the incumbent Chief Minister of Odisha since 2000, representing the Hinjili Assembly constituency. His tenure spans over two decades, characterized by a focus on inclusive governance and sustainable development, solidifying his position as a prominent leader in the state’s political landscape.
Longest Serving Chief Minister of Odisha
Naveen Patnaik, the longest-serving Chief Minister of Odisha, assumed office in March 2000. A member of the Biju Janata Dal party, his enduring leadership spans over two decades, marked by a commitment to the state’s progress and welfare. Patnaik’s tenure reflects stability and resilience, shaping Odisha’s governance landscape with his visionary policies and inclusive approach.
List of Former Chief Ministers of Odisha (1946-2024)
Since April 1946, Odisha has been governed by a total of 14 Chief Ministers who left an enduring mark on the state’s political landscape. Here is the complete list of former Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1946 to 2024:
Former Chief Ministers of Odisha | |||
S. No. | Name | From | To |
1. | Harekrushna Mahatab | 23 Apr 1946 | 12 May 1950 |
2. | Nabakrushna Choudhary | 12 May 1950 | 20 Feb 1952 |
3. | Nabakrushna Choudhary | 20 Feb 1952 | 19 Oct 1956 |
4. | Harekrushna Mahatab | 19 Oct 1956 | 06 Apr 1957 |
5. | Harekrushna Mahatab | 06 Apr 1957 | 22 May 1959 |
6. | Harekrushna Mahatab | 22 May 1959 | 25 Feb 1961 |
7. | President’s Rule | 25 Feb 1961 | 23 Jun 1961 |
8. | Biju Patnaik | 23 Jun 1961 | 02 Oct 1963 |
9. | Biren Mitra | 02 Oct 1963 | 21 Feb 1965 |
10. | Sadashiva Tripathy | 21 Feb 1965 | 08 Mar 1967 |
11. | Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo | 08 Mar 1967 | 09 Jan 1971 |
12. | President’s Rule | 11 Jan 1971 | 03 Apr 1971 |
13. | Biswanath Das | 03 Apr 1971 | 14 Jun 1972 |
14. | Nandini Satpathy | 14 Jun 1972 | 03 Mar 1973 |
15. | President’s Rule | 03 Mar 1973 | 06 Mar 1974 |
16. | Nandini Satpathy | 06 Mar 1974 | 16 Dec 1976 |
17. | President’s Rule | 16 Dec 1976 | 29 Dec 1976 |
18. | Binayak Acharya | 29 Dec 1976 | 30 Apr 1977 |
19. | President’s Rule | 30 Apr 1977 | 26 Jun 1977 |
20. | Nilamani Routray | 26 Jun 1977 | 17 Feb 1980 |
21. | President’s Rule | 17 Feb 1980 | 09 Jun 1980 |
22. | Janaki Ballabh Patnaik | 09 Jun 1980 | 10 Mar 1985 |
23. | Janaki Ballabh Patnaik | 10 Mar 1985 | 07 Dec 1989 |
24. | Hemananda Biswal | 07 Dec 1989 | 05 Mar 1990 |
25. | Biju Patnaik | 05 Mar 1990 | 15 Mar 1995 |
26. | Janakai Ballabh Patnaik | 15 Mar 1995 | 15 Mar 1995 |
27. | Giridhar Gamang | 15 Mar 1995 | 17 Feb 1999 |
28. | Hemananda Biswal | 17 Feb 1999 | 06 Dec 1999 |
29. | Naveen Patnaik | 05 Mar 2000 | 16 May 2004 |
30. | Naveen Patnaik | 16 May 2004 | 21 May 2009 |
31. | Naveen Patnaik | 21 May 2009 | 21 May 2014 |
32. | Naveen Patnaik | 21 May 2014 | 29 May 2019 |
33. | Naveen Patnaik | 29 May 2019 | Incumbent |