In a robust defence of his government’s policies, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today replied to the motion of thanks on Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati’s address, emphasising a forward-looking vision for the state while sharply criticising the opposition for disrupting proceedings and staging walkouts.
Addressing the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly during its sixth session, Majhi hailed the Governor’s speech as “visionary, people-centric, progressive, and reform-oriented,” setting the tone for Odisha’s development trajectory. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor for outlining the government’s priorities, including governance reforms, past achievements, and future orientations.
The CM lambasted the opposition, particularly the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, for their “disappointing behaviour.” He accused them of creating chaos through sloganeering and walkouts during the Governor’s address on February 17, rather than engaging in constructive debate. “The opposition’s actions are deeply regrettable,” Majhi said, noting that such tactics won’t earn public approval. He highlighted reports suggesting the BJD was reluctant to walk out but felt compelled due to Congress’s move, describing their body language as unconvincing.
Despite the disruptions, Majhi reiterated his government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, contrasting it with the previous 24-year regime, which he labelled as “autocratic.” He assured that his administration is ready to answer all questions, urging the opposition to participate in discussions for the public’s benefit.
Central to Majhi’s reply was the government’s ambitious economic goals under the “Samruddha Odisha” (Prosperous Odisha) initiative. Aiming to transform Odisha into one of India’s top five states by 2036, the CM outlined targets for a $500 billion economy by that year and $1.5 trillion by 2047, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” vision. He projected an annual growth rate of 9.5%, aiming for a per capita income of Rs 32 lakh by 2047, and reducing multidimensional poverty to 5%.
On agriculture, a key focus amid opposition criticism, Majhi defended the government’s farmer-friendly measures. He highlighted the “Samruddha Krushak Yojana,” providing input subsidies to procure paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal—Rs 200 more than the previous government’s demand. In the 2024-25 kharif season, over 16.60 lakh farmers sold more than 73 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, receiving nearly Rs 23,000 crore. For the ongoing 2025-26 season, over 13.91 lakh farmers have already sold about 59 lakh quintals.
Majhi accused the previous government of neglecting farmers, noting Odisha’s farmers had the second-lowest monthly income in India at Rs 5,115 during their tenure. He promised modernisation of 100 model mandis and increased storage facilities to address infrastructure gaps, emphasising that small, marginal, and sharecroppers are prioritised in procurement.
Infrastructure development was another pillar, with Majhi crediting central support under PM Modi for ongoing projects worth Rs 90,000 crore in railways and Rs 50,000 crore in national highways over the past 18 months. The state plans to build 75,000 km of world-class roads in five years, along with new airports, heliports, and ports to position Odisha as eastern India’s gateway.
Empowering youth through skill development was stressed, shifting focus from mere certificates to global competencies. Partnerships with Singapore, expansion of the World Skill Center, modernisation of ITIs, and establishment of parks for semiconductors, AI, and biotechnology are underway. Textile parks and enhanced skilling in education aim to create employment opportunities.
Majhi also spotlighted women’s empowerment via the Subhadra Yojana, transferring Rs 10,000 annually to one crore women, injecting Rs 10,000 crore into accounts. He announced plans for 17 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” and C-Marts for SHG marketing support, viewing women as “matru shakti” (mother power) driving Odisha’s progress.
On governance reforms, the CM highlighted a shift from “officer-centric” to “people-centric” administration, restoring democratic values. He noted the success of public grievance hearings and anti-corruption drives, inviting opposition MLAs to meet him anytime, unlike their own party dynamics.
In closing, Majhi urged the opposition to join constructive debates for Odisha’s welfare, reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling public aspirations. “What we promised, we have delivered—this is our pledge,” he declared, ending with chants of “Bande Mataram,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and “Bande Utkal Janani.”
The speech underscores the BJP-led government’s first full year in power, focusing on inclusive growth amid political tensions in the assembly.
