Bhubaneswar, July 3 (UDN): The visit of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and BJP state president Manmohan Samal to New Delhi on Thursday has reignited speculation over a possible expansion and reshuffle of the Odisha Council of Ministers.
The political buzz gathered momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled visit to Odisha was cancelled earlier in the day. Soon after the announcement, Samal left for the national capital, while the Chief Minister followed after attending the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony for the proposed aluminium project between UAE-based International Holding Company (IHC Group) and IPICOL at Lok Seva Bhawan.
Although neither the BJP nor the state government has disclosed the agenda of the Delhi meetings, the timing has triggered widespread political discussion. The Majhi-led government has completed two years in office, and six ministerial positions in the state cabinet remain vacant, prompting continued speculation about a cabinet expansion.
Political observers believe the party’s central leadership could review the government’s performance and discuss strengthening the administration by inducting new ministers. There is also speculation that certain portfolios may be reassigned as part of a broader organisational exercise, though no official confirmation has been issued.
The developments have coincided with reports of a possible reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers, further adding to the political significance of the Delhi visit.
The discussions are also expected to cover key governance priorities, including implementation of major industrial investments, the proposed Odisha Film Policy, organisational matters within the BJP, and preparations for upcoming electoral challenges.
Despite the growing speculation, senior BJP leaders have maintained that no decision has been announced regarding cabinet expansion or ministerial changes. Party sources indicate that any move on the state cabinet will be made only after consultations with the central leadership.
For now, the Delhi visit has intensified political interest, with attention focused on whether the BJP leadership will opt for a cabinet expansion, a reshuffle, or maintain the status quo in Odisha.
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