Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today formally entered into the CM’s official residence. After remaining vacant for nearly 25 years, the official residence of the CM in the State Capital welcomed a new occupant.
Shri Majhi, accompanied by his wife Priyanka Marandi and their children, performed the Gruha Pravesh (housewarming) ceremony at 10:47 am, following a puja conducted by 11 priests from Puri.
“The Chief Minister entered the official residence along with two cows, according to Hindu rituals of Gruha Pravesh,” said Pandit Bishnu Charan Panda, one of the officiating priests.
The two cows, named Nandi and Nandini, were worshiped during the ceremony and will continue to reside on the premises.
The upgraded residence now features multiple conference rooms, a watchtower, and a spacious garden.
“It is a matter of happiness that our Chief Minister entered into his residence today following our Hindu tradition. His grievance cell is also adjoining the residence,” said Minister Gokulananda Mallik.
The Chief Minister has also worshiped two cows. Like many other ministers and Prime Minister, Shri Majhi will take care of two cows in his residence, he said.
Shri Majhi had previously been staying at a government quarters on Mahatma Gandhi Marg. However, due to its proximity to an agitation site, security personnel faced frequent challenges, sources said.
The new CM’s residence, located between AG Square and Raj Bhavan, had remained unoccupied for over two decades as former CM Naveen Patnaik chose to reside at his private home, Naveen Niwas, near the airport.
The two-storey official residence, situated near the CM’s grievance cell, underwent extensive renovations over the past eight months.
The official residence was previously occupied by former Chief Ministers JB Patnaik and Giridhar Gamang until 2000.