Subhechcha Ganguly 
After a quarter-century of governance under Naveen Patnaik, Odisha experienced a political upheaval in 2024 with the BJP’s historic win. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stepped into office claiming to replace two decades of “politics” with a new era of “development.” As his government marks its first anniversary, the reality behind this rhetoric is being scrutinized—both by citizens and political observers.
From Poverty Alleviation to Political Grandstanding
Naveen Patnaik’s legacy includes lifting millions out of poverty, most notably through reforming the public distribution system to deliver rice at Re 1/kg for nearly 80% of those below the poverty line. These policies not only reduced hunger but also empowered citizens by improving productivity and security.
In contrast, the Majhi administration chose to celebrate its first year with a two-week-long media blitz (June 5–19), showcasing its achievements and promising a people-centric approach. Critics, however, argue that the extravaganza was more about appearance than substance.
“It felt like cosmetic repair on an untested structure—showmanship over service,” remarked senior journalist and political commentator Kameswar Rao. He questioned the necessity of opulent dinners hosted for corporates, media moguls, and civil society, noting a disconnect with the promise of being a “people’s CM.”
An Uneasy Transition and Poster Politics
Majhi’s rise—a tribal leader catapulted to the state’s highest office—was met with both skepticism and internal resistance. Yet, he survived the turbulence, bolstered by the unrelenting backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In cities across Odisha, the imagery is telling: Majhi and Modi appear side-by-side in nearly every official hoarding and poster, dominating public spaces from petrol pumps to airport roads. It’s a carefully curated message—be seen with us, or remain silent.
The obsession with optics doesn’t stop there. Daily updates from the CM’s office are often accompanied by 20–40 images of Majhi from various events—a pattern that some observers have likened to narcissism.
What’s Been Achieved?
On the ground, a handful of policy initiatives have made headlines. The opening of the sacred Ratna Bhandar at Puri’s Jagannath Temple was a symbolic moment. The Subhadra Yojana, aimed at empowering women, was launched. Paddy procurement prices were raised to ₹3,100 per quintal. Ayushman Bharat was introduced, sidelining the state’s own Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana—though its full implementation remains pending.
Majhi also embarked on district visits to connect with rural populations, drawing comparisons to Modi’s own grassroots strategy. But critics say these visits mask the administration’s failures in deeper policy execution.
Veteran analyst Rabi Das noted, “Just like Modi, Majhi is leaning heavily on inauguration ceremonies and photo-ops rather than sustained delivery. It’s classic political theatre.”
Unanswered questions loom large: What progress has been made on the long-running Ponzi and mining scams? What has the government done for citizens who lost their savings to fraudulent schemes?
Inflation continues to pinch Odisha’s citizens. Between November 2023 and October 2024, the state recorded inflation above 7% for eight consecutive months—well above the national average. Despite central government pressure, no effective steps have been taken to cushion this economic blow.
While Odisha generally records lower crime rates than some states, 2025 has seen worrying spikes in violence and abuse—especially against women. According to NCRB data, 1,55,420 cognizable offenses were registered in 2022, and recent months have witnessed a surge in cybercrimes, sexual harassment, theft, and murders.
January 2025, as admitted by the CM in the Assembly, witnessed an unprecedented spike in crime, ironically coinciding with high-profile events like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and the Make in Odisha Conclave.
In a symbolic purge of the past, the Majhi government has repainted Odisha—literally. Saffron hues now dominate public walls and buildings. Murals featuring eminent personalities, once a staple of public awareness, have been taken down.
Observers see this as an attempt to erase the visual memory of the BJD’s 24-year rule. “It reflects a siege mentality in politics—a kind of insecure triumphalism,” said one local academic.
Chief Minister Majhi’s debut year has been a blend of aggressive optics, symbolic actions, and selective delivery.
