Mohan Charan Majhi — the first BJP Chief Minister in Odisha — took oath with his two deputies, KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, this evening in a grand ceremony that announced the party’s arrival in eastern India. The event is being attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a number of Union ministers and other dignitaries.

Also attending the event in a gesture of old-world political courtesy is Naveen Patnaik, the Biju Janata Dal chief who headed the state for 24 years. Mr Majhi had driven to his residence last evening and invited him for today’s event.

But Odisha changed its mandate this time, giving the BJP 78 of the 147 assembly seats. The BJD won 51 seats, and failed to open account in parliament. Mr Patnaik’s closest aide, VK Pandiyan, who allegedly had a huge influence on him, quit the party shortly after.