Odisha CM Issues Stern Warning Over BJD's Lingering Ecosystem Targeting Farmers
Bhubaneswar: In a fiery address to the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a scathing attack on the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, alleging that an ecosystem established during their 24-year rule continues to harass and intimidate farmers across the state. The Chief Minister issued a clear warning, stating that his administration is prepared to take decisive action against those who fail to reform their ways.
Assembly Proceedings Disrupted by Opposition Protests
The pre-lunch session of the Odisha assembly was completely washed out for the second consecutive day as opposition parties, primarily the BJD and Congress, staged vigorous protests over alleged irregularities in paddy procurement and other farmers' issues. The disruption began early when opposition members stormed the well of the House during question hour, carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding immediate government intervention.
Speaker Surama Padhy was forced to adjourn proceedings multiple times, first until 11:30 AM and later until 4 PM, as parliamentary decorum broke down completely. Despite repeated appeals from the chair, opposition members remained defiant, even displaying banners directly before Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling and obstructing all legislative business.
Majhi's Strong Rebuke of Opposition Conduct
While replying to the motion of thanks to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati's address, Chief Minister Majhi delivered a pointed critique of the opposition's behavior over the previous two days. He characterized their conduct as demonstrating that they "do not want to raise the voice of the people in the assembly" and called their walkout during the Governor's address on Tuesday "extremely disappointing."
"The public will judge your conduct," Majhi declared, noting that even during his own speech, opposition members staged another walkout. He accused the BJD specifically of being focused solely on "creating vote banks" rather than substantive governance, alleging that their quarter-century rule was marked by autocratic functioning and weak outcomes that failed to deliver meaningful progress for Odisha's citizens.
Direct Challenge to Opposition Leadership
The Chief Minister made a surprising revelation, claiming that some senior opposition leaders actually wanted to participate in the assembly proceedings but were overruled by their own party leadership. He specifically called out Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik and BJD MLAs for "quietly walking out" despite knowing that the Governor's address demanded serious discussion and deliberation.
In what appeared to be a veiled swipe at the former Chief Minister, Majhi asserted, "I am not that politician who gives scripted answers only at home or on the steps of the secretariat." He emphasized his readiness to address every query regarding farmers' issues comprehensively and transparently.
Government's Pro-Farmer Initiatives Highlighted
Amid the political confrontation, Chief Minister Majhi detailed his government's substantial interventions to support Odisha's agricultural community. He pointed to several key achievements:
- The rapid rollout of input subsidies to reduce farming costs
- Assured payment of Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy, providing price stability
- Record procurement levels during the 2024-25 season
"In 2024-25 alone, over 73 lakh metric tons of paddy was procured from more than 16.6 lakh farmers," Majhi revealed. "Approximately Rs 23,000 crore has been disbursed to farmers, including significant state support to ensure timely payments."
Final Appeal for Constructive Engagement
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister made a direct appeal to opposition members to return to the House and engage in productive dialogue. "Participate, ask questions, demand answers," he urged. "The public has given all of us a responsibility to work for their welfare, and we must honor that trust through serious legislative work."
Majhi reiterated his government's commitment to justice for farmers, stating clearly, "Our government is in action mode to give justice to farmers. Consider this as advice or warning to those elements from the previous regime who continue their oppressive practices."
The political standoff in Odisha continues as the state government and opposition parties remain at loggerheads over agricultural policies and governance approaches, with farmers' welfare emerging as the central battleground in this escalating political confrontation.
