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Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana announced Monday that he is forming an exploratory committee as he contemplates a possible run for the Republican nomination for president.

In an email sent to reporters, Mr. Jindal was harshly critical of President Obama and said the country was ready “to try a dramatically different path.”

“While other Republican leaders are talking about change, I’ve published detailed plans to repeal and replace Obamacare, rebuild America’s defenses, make America energy independent, and reform education for our nation’s children,” Mr. Jindal wrote in the statement.

The forming of an exploratory committee, once a formality taken by nearly every potential candidate, has become slightly more rare this cycle, with candidates such as Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, as well as Hillary Rodham Clinton, opting to create other entities and jump right into an announced candidacy.

Mr. Jindal has been making the early rounds at Republican gatherings of presidential candidates and hopefuls, often tailoring his message on socially conservative issues and health care.

He said he will make a final decision in June after the legislative session in Louisiana ends.