Odisha’s political landscape witnessed a significant exchange as current Chief Minister Shri.Mohan Charan Majhi and former Chief Minister Shri.Naveen Patnaik found themselves at odds over the recent state budget. Despite their generally good rapport, Patnaik’s critique of the budget has stirred the political waters.
Patnaik, now a leader in the opposition, referred to the budget as a “name-changer” rather than a “game-changer,” accusing the Majhi government of rebranding existing schemes rather than introducing new ones. He claimed that up to 80% of the initiatives in the budget were repackaged versions of programs from the previous BJD administration. “They said they have presented a game-changing budget. Instead, they have presented only a name-changing budget,” Patnaik remarked, suggesting that the government’s efforts lacked originality.
In response, Chief Minister Majhi defended his government’s approach, emphasizing that the budget was designed with the people’s aspirations in mind. He critiqued the previous BJD government’s performance, suggesting that many of its projects never materialized. “The leader of the Opposition should know who is the ‘name changer’ and who is the ‘game changer’,” Majhi said, highlighting the BJD’s long tenure in power without delivering substantial change. He further stated, “The people of the state have given the BJD a long time, but it failed to bring a change in the life of the common man.”
Majhi outlined that the new budget, totaling ₹2.65 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year, was a step towards realizing a “Viksit Odisha” by 2036, coinciding with the centenary of the state’s formation. He emphasized that the budget was crafted to meet the promises made in the election manifesto, focusing on Odia Asmita (Odia Pride).
In a related development, Mamata Mohanta, a BJD Rajya Sabha member, resigned from both the Upper House and the party’s primary membership. Elected in April 2020, her departure marks a notable shift in the state’s political dynamics.
This exchange between Majhi and Patnaik underscores the evolving political landscape in Odisha, highlighting differing visions for the state’s future development and governance.