In a significant reshuffle in his Ministry, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday allotted two portfolios, Water Resources and Works, held by him since the beginning to other Ministers.
The Water Resources Department went to Niranjan Pujari and the Works Department to Prafulla Mallick.
While Pujari was given the additional charge of Water Resources along with his existing Housing & Urban CM parts with Water Resources, Works Development Department, Steel & Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick was given the extra charge of Works Department.
Besides, Health & Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena was allotted the Information & Public Relations Department and Minister Susanta Singh was given the charge of the Energy Department along with his existing labour and Employment Department.
It is perceived that these Ministers were rewarded by Naveen Patnaik for their roles in the Bijepur by-election campaigning leading to the BJD’s thumping victory.
In the reshuffle, Higher Education Minister Ananta Das also was given additional charge of the Industries Department.