Naveen and team to take oath tomorrow

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) legislature party leader Naveen Patnnaik, who steered the party to a landslide victory in the 2014 assembly polls, will take oath on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his fourth innings as the chief minister of the state.

Governor S C Jamir would administer the oath of office and secrecy to Patnaik. A 21 member council of ministers will also be sworn in along with Patnaik at the Raj Bhawan here.

Elaborate security arrangement has been in the city and at Raj Bhavan by the twin city Commissionerate police for the oath taking ceremony. About 20 platoons of police and India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel will be deployed for the event.

Expecting large turnout for the ceremony, LED screens have been installed outside the Raj Bhavan for those who cannot enter the Raj Bhavan.

Seating arrangement has been made for 3,000 people including the VIPs, who will attend the swearing-in ceremony. All eyes are on the council of ministers to be picked up by Patnaik. Meanwhile, suspense continues over constitution of the ministry with many senior leaders aspiring for ministerial berths. Patnaik is also expected to induct some young and fresh faces in his ministry. Patnaik will be first ever chief minister to rule the state for fourth time in a row bagging a record 117 seats in the 147 member assembly.

With the thumping majority, the BJD has virtually wiped out the opposition parties with Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party winning in 16 and 10 seats respectively. Patnaik, who was elected as the BJD legislature party leader unanimously, met the Governor on Monday to stake claim to form the government.