Harekrushna Mahatab (English: Harekrushna Mahatab, born- November 21, 1899, Balasore, Orissa; death- January 2, 1987) was one of the prominent leaders of the ‘Indian National Congress’. Harekrishna Mahtab, counted among the builders of modern Orissa, was a leader in India’s freedom struggle. He was also the Chief Minister of Orissa from 1946 to 1950 and again from 1956 to 1961. Harekrishna Mahtab was also known by the title of ‘Utkal Kesari’ in Orissa.
Harekrishna Mahtab was born on November 21, 1899 in a landlord family in Balasore district of Orissa. Harekrishna Mahtab received his education from ‘Ravenshaw College’, Cuttack. Harekrishna Mahtab cooperated with the Ramakrishna Mission. He also participated in the ‘Non-Cooperation Movement’ of 1920-1921. In 1921, Harekrishna Mahtab was elected Secretary of the Congress Committee of Balasore District. Also in 1938, he was elected Secretary of the Congress Committee and in the same year he was made the President of Orissa Provincial Committee. Harekrishna Mahtab was also the Chief Minister of Orissa from 1946 to 1950 and again from 1956 to 1961. Harekrishna Mahtab was a member of the Congress Working Committee for some years. In 1953, he was appointed General Secretary of the Congress Party in Parliament and was made the Deputy Leader of the ruling class party in the Lok Sabha. Dr. Harekrishna Mahtab formed a party called ‘Jan Congress’ in Orissa and formed a joint ministry with the Swatantra Party in 1967. Harekrishna Mahtab did two important works in Orissa. Made Bhubaneswar the new capital of Orissa and started ‘Hirakud Dam Project’ in Sambhalpur.
