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First Chief Minister of Odisha

Odisha (formerly Orissa) is a culturally rich state on the eastern coast of India. Knowing the political pioneers of the state is important for regional and national General Knowledge.

Question (Click to Flip)

Who was the first chief minister of Odisha?

Answer

Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was the first Chief Minister of Odisha after India's independence.

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Key Facts

First CM of Odisha: Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab.

Popular Title: Utkal Keshari.

Major Achievement: Merging princely states and building the new capital, Bhubaneswar.

The First Chief Minister

The first Chief Minister of Odisha after India gained independence was Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab.

  • Term: He served as the Premier (which was the title before the Constitution was adopted) from 1946 to 1950, and officially as the first Chief Minister from 1946 to 1950, and again later from 1956 to 1961.
  • Political Party: Indian National Congress (INC).

Contributions and Title

  • Utkal Keshari: He was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and was fondly known by the title 'Utkal Keshari' (The Lion of Odisha).
  • Integration of States: He played a massive role in convincing and integrating the princely states of the Odisha region into the Indian Union after 1947.
  • Bhubaneswar: He was instrumental in shifting the capital of Odisha from Cuttack to the new, planned city of Bhubaneswar.

Questions and Answers

Who was the first chief minister of Odisha?+

Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab was the first Chief Minister of Odisha after India's independence.

Who is known as 'Utkal Keshari'?+

Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab is famously known as 'Utkal Keshari' (The Lion of Odisha) for his contributions to the state.

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