Odisha CM Criticizes Predecessor's 24-Year Rule on State's Decline

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi criticized former CM Naveen Patnaik, accusing him of damaging the state's progress during his 24-year tenure. Majhi claimed Patnaik relied heavily on bureaucrats over elected representatives and failed to empower women. He assured that PM Modi's government will bring necessary development.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has launched a stinging critique of his predecessor, Naveen Patnaik, alleging that the latter's 24-year rule had detrimental effects on the state. Addressing a gathering at Kargil Basti in Bhubaneswar on the 109th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Majhi accused Patnaik of sidelining elected representatives in favor of bureaucrats.

Majhi argued that under Patnaik's leadership, the BJD government had not only eroded democratic values but also misled people in the name of development and women's empowerment. He pointed to superficial initiatives like painting school walls as evidence of mismanagement and financial misappropriation.

The Chief Minister praised the Subhadra Yojana, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that 25 lakh women had received financial assistance under the scheme. Majhi emphasized that the 'double-engine government' led by PM Modi would deliver the genuine development Odisha needs. He also engaged in the BJP's membership drive and had lunch at a party worker's home in Bhubaneswar.

(With inputs from agencies.)