Odisha CM Majhi and Ex-CM Patnaik Spar Over State Budget

Bhubaneswar August 1, 2024: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik have clashed over the state budget, marking a notable disagreement between the two leaders despite their generally positive rapport.

Patnaik, the leader of the opposition, criticized the budget presented by Majhi’s government, labeling it a “name changer” rather than a “game changer.” He accused the current administration of merely renaming 45 schemes from his previous government rather than introducing new, impactful initiatives. “They claimed to have presented a game-changing budget, but it’s mostly a rebranding of existing schemes,” Patnaik stated, highlighting that 80 percent of the schemes in the budget were already part of the previous BJD government’s agenda.

In response, Majhi, who also serves as the finance minister, defended the budget vehemently. He argued that many projects initiated under Patnaik’s regime failed to progress and were either halted before implementation or lacked effectiveness. Majhi countered Patnaik’s allegations by asserting that the BJD government, despite its long tenure, failed to bring about significant change. He described the BJD’s governance as a “jumla government,” lacking focus on good governance.

Majhi emphasized that the new budget, which amounts to ₹2.65 lakh crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year—15% larger than the previous year’s ₹2.30 lakh crore—reflects the aspirations of the people and aims to build “Viksit Odisha” (Developed Odisha) by 2036, coinciding with the state’s centenary of statehood. The budget also focuses on enhancing Odia pride and fulfilling promises made in the election manifesto.

The heated exchange underscores the ongoing political rivalry and differing visions for Odisha’s development.