Like other states in India, the head of state of Odisha is the Governor, appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Central government, and their post is largely ceremonial.

The Chief Minister is the head of government and is vested with most of the executive powers.

Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha, and houses the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) and the secretariat.

The Orissa High Court, located in Cuttack, has jurisdiction over the whole state.

The Members of Rajya Sabha were elected and / or nominated by the Member of Legislative Assembly through their parent political parties.. On 12 June 2024, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi along with his two deputy CMs, 8 Cabinet Ministers, and 5 Minister of State with Independent Charges took oath in Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar.