In a significant gubernatorial reshuffle announced by the Centre, Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati is set to demit office well before completing the conventional two-year term.
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday appointed former Lok Sabha MP Braj Mohan Ram, a senior BJP leader from Jharkhand, as the new Governor of Odisha. The change forms part of a larger reshuffle covering six states and will take effect once Ram assumes charge.
Dr. Kambhampati was appointed Governor of Odisha on December 24, 2024, following the resignation of Raghubar Das. He was sworn in on January 3, 2025, at Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar by the then Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh. As of October 12, 2026, his tenure stands at 1 year, 9 months and 9 days.
During his time in office, the Governor placed strong emphasis on higher education. Notably, vice-chancellors for 14 universities were appointed in a single day. Earlier this month, he directed universities to complete the process of filling vacant teaching posts by November, stressing the importance of merit and quality.
He also encouraged universities to adopt at least one village each to promote skill development, entrepreneurship and employment. A 485 kWp rooftop solar project was inaugurated at Lok Bhavan during his tenure, raising the total solar capacity at the premises to 635 kW.
Throughout his stint, Dr. Kambhampati maintained close coordination with the state government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. On October 9, the Chief Minister called on him at Lok Bhavan to discuss matters related to state development, public welfare and administration.
The appointment of Braj Mohan Ram marks the next chapter for Raj Bhavan in Odisha as the Centre continues its periodic review of gubernatorial positions across the country.
