The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Manoj Ahuja has been appointed as the new chief secretary of Odisha, replacing Pradeep Kumar Jena. Ahuja's return from a central deputation has been met with speculations, and it has now been confirmed that he will take on the challenging role in the newly-formed BJP government in the state. With his experience and the support of the Prime Minister, Ahuja's appointment is expected to bring about positive changes in the state's agriculture sector and revitalize the sluggish government departments.