Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has launched a sharp critique of his predecessor, Naveen Patnaik, accusing him of neglecting the state’s skilled workforce and industrial growth. In an exclusive interview with Prabhu Chawla, Editorial Director of The New Indian Express, Majhi highlighted his government’s initiatives to curb migration and boost employment, claiming these were issues Patnaik “never thought about.”
Odisha boasts a pool of talented human resources, but lack of local opportunities has forced many to migrate as laborers to cities like Surat and Coimbatore, Majhi said. “Our government, upon coming to power, organized a Textile Conclave and signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 33 companies. This has brought in investments worth Rs 6,800 crore, which will create 53,500 jobs,” he asserted. Majhi emphasized that such efforts were absent during Patnaik’s tenure, adding that the former CM even shut down key industries established by his father, Biju Patnaik, such as the Odisha Textile Mills (OTM) in Choudwar, sugar mills, spinning mills, and a pig iron plant in Keonjhar.
The interview delved into politics, industrialization, and other pressing issues in Odisha. Majhi defended his administration’s decision to rename schemes bearing Biju Patnaik’s name, noting that landmarks like the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar and various awards continue to honor the legendary leader. “Biju Babu is a great son of Odisha, and we respect him. But good projects will continue, and new ones can be started in the current CM’s name if needed,” he explained. He speculated that Patnaik might have intended to shift these industries to other states, leading to their closure.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Majhi admitted he initially feared stepping into Patnaik’s shoes after the latter’s long rule. However, drawing from his extensive experience since entering politics in 1992 as a student, he compared his path to that of Bhima from the Mahabharata—defeated once in his first election but victorious ever since. Starting as a sarpanch, he rose to MLA and now CM. “Whether in power or not, serving people builds a long road in politics,” he said, underscoring his early association with the RSS and commitment to the BJP.
On balancing Hindutva with development, Majhi stated that every Indian, regardless of religion, is inherently Hindu and Indian. “Our mission is nationalism, and politics should be based on that. You can call me a Hindutvadi, but I’ve always wanted to work for the BJP, inspired by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” he said. He highlighted the BJP as a platform for public service, satisfying whether in power or opposition.
Majhi was particularly vocal about Odisha’s industrial potential, rich in minerals like manganese, iron ore, bauxite, and chrome, which previous governments failed to leverage due to a lack of willpower. His administration has kicked off efforts to transform the state into an industrial powerhouse. The Utkarsh Odisha Make-in-Odisha Conclave, held on January 28-29, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, attracted investment proposals worth Rs 1.7 lakh crore and saw MoUs signed for Rs 13,000 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended and provided guidance.
Notable achievements include reviving POSCO’s interest in Odisha, with the company agreeing to set up a steel plant in Keonjhar—a move acknowledged by PM Modi. Groundbreaking for projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore has already occurred at four locations. Majhi also pointed to expansions by major players: Tata Steel has invested Rs 35,000-40,000 crore in acquiring NINL and expanding in Kalinganagar, where he inaugurated the world’s second-largest blast furnace. Companies like JSW, JSPL, and JSL are competing to invest in the state, while Tata Steel is also expanding in Gopalpur.
The CM expressed optimism about emerging sectors like semiconductors, positioning Odisha as a leader. “We’re working on the basis of the Make-in-Odisha policy,” he said, signaling a shift toward economic transformation and reduced migration.
This interview paints a picture of Odisha’s evolving political and economic landscape, with Majhi’s BJP-led government focusing on self-reliance and growth to address long-standing challenges.
