BJP to probe all graft cases, guilty to face the music: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha’s new chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi Wednesday said the govt will probe various scams that plagued Odisha during the last two decades of BJD governance and asserted those involved in corruption will face the music.
“Let me make it very clear. We will maintain a strict policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. The guilty will not be spared,” Majhi told TOI in an exclusive interview after taking charge as CM of the first-ever BJP government.
Majhi’s assertion on corruption comes in the wake of BJP making corruption a major poll issue against the Naven Patnaik-led BJD, with an alleged chit fund and mining scams turning out to be a hot topic during the poll campaign.
The BJP ended up winning a landmark assembly election this month and swept the Lok Sabha polls.
Majhi said the previous government had failed to respect and protect its citizens. “They were deeply entrenched in corruption, a prime reason why people voted them out,” he said.
“There will be a cell in the CM’s office for action against corruption,” the CM said, adding concrete measures will be implemented to eradicate corruption at various levels in the next five years.
“Long-term strategies will be put in place to address this issue. Every scheme will undergo thorough evaluation and auditing processes. The way profit and loss of any investment is analysed, there will be evaluation of cost-benefit and impact of every scheme and supervision to end possible corruption at every level. Public funds will be utilized transparently and for the intended purposes only,” he said.
“The government is committed to investigating all scams and corruptions and ensuring that those found guilty face the consequences as per law. Only corrupt and wrongdoers need to fear this people’s govt.”
‘Govt to focus on developing every region of the state’
With the new govt in place, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi speaks to Ashok Pradhan about his priorities and strategies as head of Odisha’s first BJP govt. Excerpts
Whom do you credit for BJP’s victory?
The state had been under the governance of a single govt for the past 24 years. The hopes and aspirations of the people remained unfulfilled during this period. The previous govt failed to respect and protect its citizens and was deeply entrenched in corruption. As a result, people voted for change. PM Narendra Modi’s call for a “developed east for a developed India” resonated with 4.5 crore people of Odisha, leading to a significant shift in the political landscape.
How do you plan to meet people’s hopes and aspirations?
In our manifesto, we have promised to establish a peoplecentric govt and build a new and developed Odisha. The new govt will base its actions on the “Sankalp Patra” (manifesto) for the next five years, implementing many new schemes as promised. The focus will be on the development of every region of the state to create a prosperous Odisha.

What are your key priorities?
A glimpse into the priorities of our govt was reflected in the first cabinet meeting moments after the new council of ministers took over. One of the key initiatives is the Subhadra Yojana that aims to empower women by providing them with cash vouchers worth Rs 50,000. Farmers in Odisha have been grappling with various challenges related to production and marketing of crops. The govt is committed to addressing these issues. One of the longstanding demands of the farmers has been to increase the paddy price. Due to the inadequacies of the previous govt, farmers were unable to receive the MSP set by the Centre, forcing them to resort to distress sales. In 2015, the then CM Naveen Patnaik announced a bonus of Rs 100 per quintal of paddy at Sohela in Bargarh district, but the promise remained unfulfilled. Our govt pledged in its manifesto to procure paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, compared to the existing MSP of Rs 2,183. Fulfilling this commitment is one of our top priorities.
But the list of manifesto promises is very long?
We will work tirelessly to fulfil the promises made and maintain open communication with people. We have a very clear roadmap for development, which includes strengthening infrastructure, attracting investments, and creating employment opportunities. We will improve healthcare facilities, enhance educational standards and ensure the welfare of underprivileged sections of the society. The govt has several other programmes in the pipeline, which will be introduced in a phased manner. With a double-engine govt in place, Odisha is expected to receive substantial resources from the Centre. The state is poised to play a significant role in realizing the vision of a Vikshit Bharat (developed India). The ultimate goal is to transform Odisha into India’s no.1 state. To ensure effective governance, the administration will maintain a strong connection with the people on the ground, seeking their feedback and using it to guide its actions and decisions.
How do you plan to remain accessible to people?
As someone who comes from a humble background, I can relate to the challenges faced by ordinary individuals. My commitment is to stand by their side and strive to comprehend the difficulties they encounter. This will never change. I am a CM for the people. Our govt truly represents the people and will always remain dedicated to serving them. We fully comprehend the expectations of people. Over the past 24 years, people found it impossible to meet with the CM or have a conversation with him. The situation is now changed. People won’t have to come to the CM. The CM will go to them.
Odia Asmita was a key poll plank?
How will people see that in governance? It was not a mere poll issue. The current govt is dedicated to restoring the pride and glory of Odisha, as the previous BJD administration created a crisis for people. Odias faced repeated humiliation and insults, putting Odia identity at stake. This is a crucial issue that demands attention and action. The new govt has made it a priority to honour Odia heroes who played a significant role in the formation of a separate state and its subsequent development. We strive to uplift the spirit and dignity of Odias. The govt recognizes the importance of preserving and celebrating Odia culture, language, and heritage.
What will be the fate of popular state govt schemes that you inherited from the past govt?
I don’t think the state govt ran popular schemes as is evident from its electoral defeat. Many programmes were merely rebranded versions of central govt’s schemes. Rest assured, the people will continue to benefit from such ongoing initiatives. However, the state-specific schemes that were designed solely to garner votes without providing tangible benefits to people will be discontinued. In their place, the govt will introduce programmes that will genuinely address the people’s needs. The focus will be on implementing policies that have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of people, rather than pursuing shortterm political gains.
What will be the fate of 5T?
That was a ploy to mislead people and subvert democratic organizations. It has ended with the taking over of the new govt. We will restore the sanctity of the institutions. We are committed to transparency and accountability in governance.