Odisha Politics in History- 6 || Merger of Princely States || ଗଡ଼ଜାତ ମିଶ୍ରଣରେ ମହତାବଙ୍କ ଚାଲ୍

Odisha’s first chief minister in independent India, Harekrishna Mahatab, plays a vital role in the merger of the princely states of Odisha with India. Odisha Politics in History

Mahatab was appointed chief minister of Orissa, a position he held till 1950. During this period he made his most significant contribution to both Orissa and the Indian state. Mahatab wanted the merger of 26 Oriya-speaking princely states with the Orissa province. Odisha Politics in History.

After taking over as chief minister on 23 April 1946, he issued two circulars to all rulers of Orissa states and sought their cooperation for a merger. Mahatab continued to explore constitutional options for some time while agitations demanding accession to Orissa province started in Nilgiri. The Maharaja responded with force. Mahatab finally pressed the interim Indian Government for military action.