BJD did politics for 24 years, our govt. has ushered in a new era in Odisha: Majhi

The Hindu

a day ago

Hailing from a humble background, Mohan Charan Majhi assumed office as Chief Minister of Odisha without any prior ministerial experience on June 12, 2024. Leaving behind doubts and uncertainties, Mr. Majhi is set to complete one year of steering Odisha's first-ever solo BJP government. On the eve of the first anniversary, the Chief Minister shared his government's achievements and vision in an interview with Satyasundar Barik. Edited excerpts:
You have succeeded a government that was in power for uninterrupted 24 years. How will you describe your journey over the past year—in terms of challenges faced, lessons learnt and the weight of public expectations?
The past year has been a fascinating journey, and looking back, it is deeply satisfying. For 24 years, the Biju Janata Dal government lacked freshness and failed to deliver on basic services or generate employment. Governance had given way to politics, with constant attempts to engineer new vote banks. The people were yearning for change — and they chose us. With our collective commitment to transparent governance and rapid development, and with the trust and support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, we have been able to usher in a new era for Odisha.
How would you describe the key differences between your government and your predecessor?
The previous government did not uphold the principles of democracy. It functioned as a bureaucrat-driven regime, with power concentrated in the hands of a single individual. As a result, the voices and aspirations of the people were systematically ignored. As a leader of the Opposition, I consistently exposed the last government's failures and shortcomings. A telling example is the Tribal Advisory Council, which is mandated to meet at least 20 times over a decade—yet it was convened barely thrice. Despite projecting itself as a champion of tribal rights, the BJD government's actions painted a starkly different picture. In contrast, our approach to governance is rooted in tangible programme implementation and results on the ground.
When you assumed office on June 12 last year, what were the key goals you set for yourself and your government? How much progress have you made on those fronts so far?
I had no personal ambition in this journey. Our larger vision is to transform Odisha into a developed and prosperous State — Samrudha Odisha — by 2036, when it marks 100 years of its formation as a separate state. In our party manifesto, we had pledged 21 major promises. Most of them have been fulfilled. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has rightly said, Odisha has only four castes: the poor, the youth, farmers (annadatas), and women. If you look at our previous and current budgets, you will see significant allocations aimed at empowering these sections through several new schemes. For instance, the Subhadra scheme has already covered all 1.2 crore eligible beneficiaries within a year. During the last kharif season, we provided an enhanced input subsidy of Rs 800 per quintal, benefiting an unprecedented 16.6 lakh farmers. These are just two examples from a long list of new initiatives. Our slogan is simple: we promised, we delivered.
The Subhadra Yojana made a strong political impact, even overshadowing the earlier Mission Shakti narrative. But there are concerns that the cash assistance is not being channeled into productive or income-generating uses. What is your assessment of the scheme's current form, and do you plan any changes?
The perception that the government is handing out Subhadra assistance as a mere dole is completely misplaced. In reality, we have infused ₹10,000 crore directly into Odisha's economy through this initiative. Our core belief is simple: when women are empowered, society prospers. The results speak for themselves. Odisha now leads the country in creating 'Lakhpati Didis'—with over 17 lakh women earning ₹1 lakh annually through their own enterprises under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana. I will admit, I initially had reservations—I feared the funds might be spent on sarees and household items. But I was proven wrong. Women across the State have shown remarkable foresight, investing Subhadra assistance in income-generating and productive ventures that are transforming their lives and communities.
Coming from a modest background, how did you tackle a powerful bureaucracy, and has there been a cultural shift where IAS and IPS officers are now more responsive to elected representatives?
Where there is a will, everything is possible. Success follows when one works with a clear mission. I entered politics at a very young age and have closely observed and engaged with the functioning of government. Coming from a village and being a tribal should never be mistaken for weakness. Unfortunately, there was a time when some bureaucrats aligned themselves with party interests and were even referred to as district presidents of the BJD. Bureaucrats must work in line with the elected government's vision. I know how to work in coordination with the bureaucracy. Elected representatives deserve respect, and their mandate must be honoured. Today, I can confidently say the system is functioning like a well-oiled machine, delivering results efficiently and in the public interest.
What would you identify as the major welfare schemes introduced by your government? Which among them do you believe could be a long-term game-changer for Odisha?
Apart from Subhadra scheme, PM Krushak Smman Nidhi and CM Kissan are benefitting more than 92% of farmers of Odisha. Schemes like Godavarish Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya in each gram panchayat for quality education, Madho Singh Hatakharcha Yojna to arrest drop out among tribal children, Mukyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana to help poor brides to marry off and enhanced assistance to senior citizens over 80 years of age and those with 80% disability, the list goes on.
You have placed considerable emphasis on industrialization. Where do you think the previous government fell short in this sector, and what steps have you taken to correct course? Do you see Odisha poised for a higher growth trajectory now?
If a State is endowed with more than half of country's mineral resoures, has a coastline of 480 km, decent infrastructure, skilled manpower, stable government for almost two and half decades, abundance of electricity and water, but still you are not even among the top industrial States, who you will blame? Perhaps the only answer is 'lack of vision and political will'. Our government is pro-active in making up lost time and putting Odisha among top five industrial States. A record ₹17,00,000 crores were committed with 13 lakhs job creation. In contrast, in Make-in-Odisha-2022 conclaves organized by BJD government, ₹10,00,000 crore investment was committed. But, how many of those commitments actually resulted in ground? I will not tell the figures, but it was miniscule. However, within 120 days of Utkarsh Odisha, the State government approved and foundation stone laid for more than ₹1,20,000 crore already and more is coming soon.
What are the top focus areas for your government going forward? Where will we see your leadership making the biggest push next?
Odisha is perhaps only State which spends highest of its yearly budget in percentage terms to Gross State Domestic Product as capital expenditure. In the current budget we have plans to spend a record ₹65,012 crore as capital expenditure amounting to 6.1% of GSDP and a huge 22.40% of the total budget. This mammoth capex will lead to job creation and drive the overall development of the State. My personal ambition is to increase family income by five folds through different linkages and employment guarantee schemes. If income of a family goes up, it will be vital for State's economy.
Wherever there is BJP government in State, the word 'Double Engine' which means Centre-State cordial relationship invariably comes to public discourse. How far has this benefited Odisha?
Since my government took oath on June 12, 2024, the Hon'ble PM has visited Odisha five times and has agreed to attend the first anniversary celebrations of our government. Odisha has always been a priority for him. Thanks to the 'Double Engine Sarkar', we have secured over ₹73,000 crore in railway infrastructure projects, more than ₹12,000 crore for national highways and road development, increased allocation under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and inclusion in the Ayushman Bharat - Jan Arogya Yojana. The 'Double Engine' is truly firing on all cylinders, driving accelerated growth and development across the state.'
What is reason behind the tag of 'People's CM' being affixed to your name?
The acronym was coined by the people and the media. And there is a reason to it. For a long time, people in the State felt a sense of alienation, as they had little access to the Chief Minister or ministers. When I decided to engage directly with citizens and listen to their concerns, the response was overwhelming