Naveen to take oath as Orissa CM tomorrow

Armed with a thumping majority in the 147-member Orissa assembly, BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik is all set to take oath as chief minister for the third consecutive term tomorrow amid speculation about other members of his cabinet.

Patnaik who met Governor M C Bhandare at Raj Bhavan this evening told reporters that "the oath taking ceremony will be held at Raj Bhavan at 11.30 am".

While Patnaik evaded queries about the swearing in of other ministers, sources close to the CM's residence 'Naveen Niwas' said as many as 21 members could take oath along with him.

However, there was speculation whether senior ministers in two consecutive governments headed by Patnaik would be part of the ministry.

"Naveen has the habit of springing surprise on every occasion. Therefore, no one is sure of their fate," a senior minister in the previous government said.

Patnaik's main strategist and Rajya Sabha MP Pyari Mohan Mohapatra said it would be "a normal ministry".

"The new ministry will represent all sections including the elderly, youth, women, SC and ST," Mohapatra said.