From Jharkhand Politics to Odisha's Constitutional Post: Brij Mohan Ram

Brij Mohan Ram, a veteran of Jharkhand’s political arena, has been sworn in as the Governor of Odisha, according to a notification issued by the President’s Secretariat on 12 October. He assumes office after the retirement of Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati.

Ram’s early life unfolded in Chandwa, a village that was part of Bihar at the time of his birth on 12 January 1958. Following the creation of Jharkhand, Chandwa became part of Latehar district. He is the son of Arjun Ram Baitha and Chaati Devi. He completed his higher education at B.S. College, Lohardaga, under Ranchi University.

His political career started with a win in the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections of 1991, where he served until 1995. He then turned to national politics, winning the Lok Sabha seat from Palamu three successive times – during the 11th (1996‑1998), 12th (1998‑1999) and 13th (1999‑2004) sessions of Parliament.

In Parliament, Ram engaged with committees on energy, railways, transport and tourism, and served on advisory committees for the Coal Ministry and for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Within the BJP, he has held the state leadership of the party’s Scheduled Caste front in Jharkhand.

His move to a gubernatorial position underscores the importance of experienced legislators in constitutional roles and is likely to shape political discourse both in Odisha and his home state of Jharkhand.