‘My Simplicity should not be mistaken for weakness,’ Asserts Odisha CM Mohan Majhi
By Sukant Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, June 10: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday issued a strong message to detractors and vested interests, warning that his simplicity must not be mistaken for weakness. Reaffirming his government’s commitment to a ‘zero-tolerance’ stance on corruption, Majhi vowed to bring to justice anyone involved in graft, nepotism, or abuse of power — regardless of their position or influence.
A grassroots tribal leader who began his political career as a sarpanch in Keonjhar district, Majhi took office as Odisha’s Chief Minister on June 12, 2024. On the eve of his government’s first anniversary, he addressed a press conference where he openly criticized the previous regime for alleged widespread irregularities.
“I started my journey as a sarpanch and have since been elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly four times. I’ve seen the struggles of the people up close and have closely observed the functioning of successive governments,” Majhi said.
He pointed to a series of scandals that plagued the previous administration — including the notorious chit fund scam, illegal mining practices, and systemic corruption — and emphasized that investigations are ongoing. “We are actively collecting evidence and will ensure that those responsible, whether officials or politicians, are held accountable,” he stated.
Majhi’s comments were widely viewed as a veiled but clear warning to elements within the bureaucracy and senior leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which governed Odisha from 2000 to 2024. He reaffirmed his determination to reform the state’s administration.
“I am a tribal who stands for integrity and righteousness. My simplicity should not be mistaken for weakness,” he declared.
Referencing a recent case involving an IAS officer caught red-handed accepting a bribe from a businessman, the Chief Minister stressed that the law would apply equally to all. “No one — from peons to senior IAS officers — will be spared if found guilty of corruption,” he said.
Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power under Majhi’s leadership last year, over 50 Class I and Class II officers have been arrested on corruption charges — a clear signal of a decisive break from the past.
Emphasizing his government’s focus on transparency, accountability, and clean governance, Majhi noted that a comprehensive drive is underway to dismantle entrenched corruption networks and ensure that public services reach every citizen without interference from middlemen.
“As we complete one year in office, I assure the people of Odisha that a new era of sushasan (good governance) has begun. Our fight against corruption is firm and unwavering. Every government scheme will be implemented with honesty and dedication to benefit the common man,” the Chief Minister concluded.
