In a fiery response during the general discussion on the state budget in the Odisha Assembly, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi lambasted the opposition parties for disrupting proceedings in the name of farmers and failing to fulfil their constructive role in democracy.
Accusing the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress of engaging in mere theatrics instead of providing meaningful advice to the government, Majhi highlighted that the public has already rejected Congress in the past and has now ousted the BJD after 24 years in power.
The CM pointed out that while farmers are content with the current government’s initiatives, the opposition’s protests lack genuine farmer participation. “The opposition is politicising farmers’ names to paralyse the House, but people are watching this drama,” Majhi said. He emphasised that the opposition should offer constructive suggestions on the budget rather than boycotting discussions. The BJD remained absent during the debate, while Congress members created a ruckus over farmers’ issues and walked out.
The budget discussion, which began on Monday, saw no participation from opposition members. On Tuesday afternoon, BJP MLAs Sitansu Sekhar Mohapatra, Amar Nayak, and Sidhant Mohapatra highlighted various people-oriented programs in the budget. Majhi reiterated that the opposition’s actions are driven by political gains, noting, “Odishans bid farewell to Congress earlier, and now they’ve removed BJD too. They were in power for 24 years, but they won’t return for the next 24.”
Criticising past behaviours, the CM recalled instances where opposition leaders brought petty cash, bells, and cymbals to the House for protests, and even staged inappropriate demonstrations at events like the Delhi AI Impact Summit, which he said tarnishes democracy. He accused the main opposition of crocodile tears for farmers, backed by data: In 2023-24, the previous government procured 70.88 lakh metric tons of paddy, while the current administration has procured 92.63 lakh metric tons in 2024-25, disbursing Rs 28,715 crore to farmers, including Rs 7,408 crore in bonuses. “We’ve already bought 60.80 lakh metric tons this year and will procure all paddy from farmers to strengthen the rural economy,” Majhi assured.
Majhi described the budget as a blueprint for Odisha’s future, with no grounds for opposition criticism, leading them to disrupt sessions instead. He stressed that proper dialogue could yield more benefits for farmers’ development. Key budget highlights include funding for new expressways like Berhampur-Jeypore Rajpath, Gajapati to Ambabhona’s Namo Expressway, Rasulgarh to Nanpur/Raghunathpur 4-lane expressway, and Malkangiri’s Motu to Mayurbhanj’s Tiringi Atal Expressway. Additionally, provisions have been made for a new Lok Seva Bhawan, Assembly building, Jan Ashraya Bhawan for public needs, a world-class museum, and a state convention centre in Bhubaneswar.
Record allocations include Rs 10,928 crore for railway projects and enhancements in inland water transport between Talcher, Angul, Paradip, and Dhamra to boost port-based development. Over the next three years, modern warehouses with a capacity of about 11 lakh metric tons will be built.
Slamming Congress further, Majhi said people have nearly forgotten the party after 25 years, recalling famines, hunger deaths, and dependence on neighbouring states for rice during cyclones under their rule. “Their contribution to agriculture in Odisha is best left unsaid,” he quipped. He questioned why BJD farmers’ income ranked second-lowest nationally despite their claims of good work.
The new government, in less than 24 months, aims to increase per-family income by at least Rs 33,000 annually through schemes like Samriddha Krushak Yojana (higher input subsidies) and Subhadra Yojana (Rs 10,000 crore annually to eligible women, mostly from farming families).
Addressing BJD’s unfulfilled Rs 100 bonus promise, Majhi asked why they blamed the central government when Chhattisgarh’s Congress government provided enhanced input support. “They had no real concern for farmers; it’s all fake tears,” he said.
On budget expenditure, Majhi noted that program spending reached about Rs 1,07,000 crore by January this year, Rs 14,000 crore (16%) more than last year’s Rs 86,731 crore, dismissing opposition claims of underspending as baseless.
Urging the opposition leader to return to the House, Majhi said, “The Speaker should advise him to come and give suggestions on the budget. Provide constructive proposals to encourage the government to do more. Fulfil your duties.”
