Bhubaneswar, Sept 20: Odisha’s chief minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, marking 100 days in office, delivered a report detailing his government’s early achievements.

This event, held in Puri, carries symbolic significance due to the association with Lord Jagannath, the most revered deity in Odisha. Majhi’s presentation aimed to position his government as fulfilling promises and contrasting his administration with the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government led by Naveen Patnaik.

Key Achievements Highlighted:

The CM focused on several key accomplishments:

1. Religious Initiatives: The reopening of the four gates of Lord Jagannath’s Srimandir and Ratna Bhandar (after 40 years) catered to Odisha’s deeply religious populace. These moves underscore a deliberate attempt to connect the new government’s initiatives with religious and cultural symbolism, potentially to galvanize support.

2. Women’s Welfare – Subhadra Yojana: This initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing women’s issues, a significant concern in India. Introducing such welfare schemes early on helps the BJP reinforce its image as a government focused on societal upliftment.

3. Economic Policies: Raising the minimum support price for paddy to ₹3,100 indicates efforts to provide financial relief to farmers, a key constituency in Odisha. Additionally, attracting ₹45,000 crore in investments signals a pro-business stance, essential for economic growth.

4. Ayushman Bharat Implementation: Majhi pointed out that the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Ayushman Bharat Yojana, a flagship national health scheme, was not implemented by the previous government. By ensuring the scheme’s execution, he positions his administration as one rectifying past mistakes and ensuring wider healthcare coverage.

Political Undertones and Criticism:

The CM used this platform not just for self-promotion but to directly criticize his predecessor. Majhi described the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government as arrogant and corrupt, blaming it for failing to serve the people effectively. He invoked Lord Jagannath to suggest that the previous government’s alleged misuse of religious sentiments for political gain led to its downfall. This rhetoric is a common political strategy in India, where invoking religious imagery can be a powerful tool to sway public opinion.

Strategy and Challenges:

Majhi’s report, while showcasing the BJP’s efforts, is clearly designed to differentiate his government from the BJD. By emphasising that his administration is fulfilling pre-poll promises within the first 100 days, Majhi aims to build early momentum. His government’s focus on religious, economic, and social welfare issues reflects an understanding of Odisha’s priorities. However, the challenge will lie in ensuring sustained progress. The state’s economic and social issues, including poverty, unemployment, and healthcare, will require longer-term solutions.

The first 100 days of Mohan Majhi’s government in Odisha have been framed as a period of accomplishment, with a clear focus on religious inclusivity, women’s welfare, and economic growth. By criticizing the previous BJD government and positioning the BJP as more efficient and responsive, Majhi is attempting to shift the political narrative in the state. While the report offers early optimism, the government will need to continue delivering on its promises to maintain public trust and navigate the complex political landscape of Odisha.

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