Odisha Ministers step down amid buzz of reshuffle ahead of 2024 elections

Bhubaneswar: Assembly Speaker Bikram Keshari Arukha, along with School and Mass Education Minister Sameer Ranjan Dash and Labour Minister Srikanta Sahu have tendered their resignations from their respective posts.

This wave of resignations has triggered speculations of an imminent reshuffle within the Naveen Patnaik ministry as the state gears up for the 2024 elections.

Bikram Keshari Arukha, a seasoned politician and a six-time MLA from Bhanjanagar, took on the role of the Assembly Speaker in June of the previous year. However, Arukha’s tenure as Speaker has now come to an unexpected end as he cited personal reasons for his resignation. He promptly submitted his resignation letter to Deputy Speaker Rajanikant Singh, who has since accepted it.

With his vast experience and political acumen, sources suggest that Arukha is likely to be inducted into the cabinet, potentially taking on a different role within the government.

Adding to the speculation surrounding the reshuffle, Deepali Das, who stands as a candidate from Jharusuguda, could find herself joining the cabinet if she emerges victorious in the elections. This move would likely bring fresh perspectives and new faces into the government, as Odisha prepares for the upcoming electoral battle.

Deepali’s father Naba Kishore Das, who was murdered by a police official, was health minister.