New Delhi, May 30: Pratap Chandra Sarangi took oath as Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet for the first time on Thursday. With this, he has become the key minister in PM Modi's Cabinet.

The newly appointed Minister of State in Prime Minister Modi's cabinet is a Member of Parliament from Balasore in Odisha. Despite becoming an MP, Sarangi remains to be accessible to all people of the constituency. Known for his frugal lifestyle and honesty, Sarangi is respected among all sections of society in Balasore. Modi Cabinet 2.0 Swearing-In Ceremony: Narendra Modi, 24 Cabinet Ministers, 33 MoS Take Oath

In Lok Sabha Elections 2019, Sarangi defeated BJD's Rabindra Kumar Jena 12,956 votes. The Balasore parliamentarian and the new minister is also known for a tremendous orator both in Odia and Sanskrit. He has a sharp intellect. Earlier in 2014, he contested against Jena, but defeated by Jena by a margin of 1.42 lakh votes.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Sarangi graduated from Fakir Mohan College in Balasore and wanted to become a monk in Ramakrishna Math. However, was encouraged to take up social work. Later, he reportedly opened schools in tribal areas of Odisha.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 30, 2019 10:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).