Following elections to the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the governor usually invites the party (or coalition) with a majority of seats to form the government.

The first provincial government formed under Prime ministership of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo.

Until the first election after independence, Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab continued to be the chief minister of Odisha and then it was taken over by Nabakrushna Choudhury.

Serving from 2000 till 2024, Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janata Dal was the longest-serving chief minister in Odisha's history.

The current chief minister of Odisha since 12 June 2024 is Mohan Charan Majhi of the Bharatiya Janata Party.