CM meets guv, discusses ways to strengthen governance
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Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi met governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan on Monday followed by the governor visiting law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan's residence, sparking speculation of an imminent cabinet reshuffle.
While the governor's office stated that discussions centred on strengthening governance and public welfare during his meeting with Majhi, the chief minister's office (CMO) termed it a courtesy call. The timing of the meeting, however, has led to intense political speculation.
Taking to X about his meeting with the CM, governor Kambhampati wrote, "We had a cordial discussion on Odisha's development roadmap and ways to strengthen governance and public welfare."
The CMO similarly confirmed the meeting on social media.
Political observers suggested the meeting could be significant in the backdrop of recent controversies, particularly the sexual harassment complaints emerging from various educational institutions across the state. Since the governor serves as the chancellor of state universities, these issues may have featured in their discussions.
Sources close to the govt indicated that CM Majhi might be considering a cabinet reorganisation.
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The current council of ministers, comprising 16 members, can be expanded to 22 as per constitutional provisions. State BJP president Manmohan Samal had recently hinted at such a possibility.
"The chief minister may drop a couple of ministers and introduce new faces to give his govt a fresh look as he enters his second year in office," a senior party leader said on condition of anonymity.
On possible cabinet expansion, law minister Harichandan said, "That's a prerogative of the chief minister.
As our party state president has already said, discussions are on for filling up the vacancies besides appointment of various boards and corporations."
Regarding the governor's visit, the law minister said Kambhampati came as a well-wisher of the family and as a friend. "He gave his feedback regarding the functioning of some departments. He also gave his advice on how the govt should function as per PM Narendra Modi's vision," the minister said, adding the discussions were more personal.
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