Odisha CM inducts 10 new ministers in Cabinet; switches portfolios

With the 2019 elections in mind, move aimed at countering a resurgent BJP in the state

In a major reshuffle exercise in the run up to the 2019 elections, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inducted 10 new ministers in his Cabinet. The revamped team saw the comeback of some of the avowed loyalists of the chief minister who were once axed from his council. The reconstituted team also has youth leaders and first timers as ministers.

The 10 new ministers who were sworn in on Sunday with their allocated portfolios are Nrusingha Sahu, commerce & transport; Prafulla Samal, women and child development; Shashi Bhushan Behera, finance; S N Patro, food supplies and consumer welfare;