Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Calls BJP Manifesto a Scripture After 100 Days in Office

Odisha's first BJP government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, marked 100 days in office. Majhi, a tribal leader from Keonjhar and a four-time MLA, took charge on June 12 after the BJP ended the 24-year rule of the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD. Majhi stated that the party's election manifesto serves as a guiding document for his administration.

Majhi criticised the previous BJD government, accusing it of being disconnected from the people and using Lord Jagannath's name for political gain. He claimed that Odisha's voters rejected the BJD due to its arrogance and anti-people stance. "Our party was elected by the blessings and support of the people," Majhi said, emphasising that many promises have been fulfilled in the past 100 days.

Achievements and Initiatives

The BJP government has initiated several projects, including opening all four gates of Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri and reopening the Ratna Bhandar treasury. A Rs 500 crore fund has been established for Shree Jagannath Temple, along with a Rs 200 crore fund to promote Odia pride and language. The government also set a minimum support price of Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy.

Majhi highlighted the launch of the CM-Kisan scheme, which provides financial aid to farmers alongside the PM-Samman Nidhi scheme. Additionally, the Subhadra Yojana was introduced to support women financially without requiring repayment. Each beneficiary will receive Rs 50,000 over five years to help them become self-sufficient.

Healthcare and Criticism

The chief minister accused the former BJD regime of denying health benefits due to ego issues. His government plans to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme, offering free treatment in 27,000 hospitals nationwide. However, opposition BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty criticised the BJP's governance, citing lawlessness and failure to attract new industries.

Mohanty pointed out an alleged assault incident at a Bhubaneswar police station as evidence of deteriorating law and order. He questioned how other parts of Odisha would fare if such incidents occur in the capital. Mohanty also criticised appointing two non-Odias as chief secretary and DGP despite BJP's Odia pride slogan.

Opposition's Response

BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra accused the BJP of failing to deliver on election promises. He mocked their 100-day celebration, suggesting they could hold festivals daily but should focus on fulfilling commitments. Mishra urged using the "double-engine" government for Odisha's benefit.

The BJD claimed that Odisha's development peaked under Naveen Patnaik's leadership. They argued that no new industries were attracted during BJP's tenure while a major corporate withdrew its project from the state. Despite criticisms, Majhi remains committed to addressing people's grievances through regular meetings across Odisha.