Odisha's New Governor Missed PM Modi's Calls, Thought Number Was Private

Brajmohan Ram, the newly appointed Governor of Odisha, missed multiple attempts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office to contact him following his elevation to the constitutional post. Despite ten calls from the PMO, Ram did not pick up the phone, later attributing the oversight to his assumption that the number was a private line.

Ram's appointment as Governor marks a significant milestone in his political career. The senior politician had remained affiliated with his party for over two decades without receiving a ticket to contest elections, demonstrating unusual loyalty during a prolonged period without direct electoral opportunity.

The incident highlights an unusual moment in the ceremonial protocols that typically accompany high-level gubernatorial appointments in India. The Prime Minister's office customarily reaches out to newly appointed Governors before formal announcements are made, making the missed communications noteworthy.

Once Ram understood the identity of the caller, he connected with the Prime Minister's office to receive formal notification of his appointment. His long association with the party, despite not being fielded as a candidate for more than two decades, appears to have finally yielded recognition with the gubernatorial posting.