By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Mohan Charan Majhi, a tribal leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), assumed office as Odisha’s 15th Chief Minister on June 12, 2024, marking the end of the 24-year Biju Janata Dal (BJD) rule.
His government’s 500th day fell on October 25, 2025. Majhi, a former teacher and four-time MLA from Keonjhar, has positioned his administration as “people-centric,” emphasizing fulfillment of electoral promises, anti-corruption drives, and inclusive development under the vision of “Viksit Odisha 2036.”
However, assessments of his performance are polarized: supporters highlight tangible progress in agriculture, jobs, and governance reforms, while critics point to administrative lapses, rising communal tensions, and unaddressed social challenges.
Whether his tenure is “satisfactory” depends on perspective—it’s largely positive for economic and promise-delivery metrics but draws flak on social harmony and implementation speed. Below is a balanced breakdown based on recent reports and public discourse.
Majhi claims all 21 manifesto promises (e.g., women’s empowerment, youth jobs) are implemented, crediting PM Narendra Modi’s guidance. Public sentiment echoes this, with users praising his humility and responsiveness, like resolving naxal issues in former Red Corridor areas.
Opposition parties (BJD, Congress) and analysts argue the government has under delivered amid administrative hurdles and social unrest. Majhi’s lack of prior executive experience has been a recurring theme.
Majhi’s 500 days score high on economic momentum and promise-keeping (8/10), earning praise as a “people’s CM” for accessibility and anti-corruption zeal. Odisha’s growth metrics—surpassing national averages, leading in investments—substantiate this. However, social and administrative shortcomings (5/10) temper the narrative, with critics arguing it risks communal divides and inequality.
Satisfactory? Yes, for economic reformers and BJP supporters, as it lays a foundation for long-term gains. No, for social justice advocates, who see unfulfilled equity promises. With 2029 elections looming, Majhi must balance growth with harmony to sustain momentum. His tribal roots and humble style remain assets, but execution will define his legacy.
Under the leadership of CM Majhi, the Odisha government fulfilled its key electoral promise by procuring paddy from farmers at Rs 3,100 per quintal, supported by a Rs 5,000 crore budgetary allocation to boost agricultural income.f0d90c In a landmark move for cultural heritage, the administration opened all four gates of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri to devotees and established a Rs 500 crore corpus fund for its sustained development and maintenance.
To empower women, the Subhadra Yojana was launched, providing financial assistance and marking a significant step toward gender-inclusive growth across the state. The government approved 33 major industrial projects worth Rs 1.46 lakh crore, expected to create 66,000 direct jobs and drive economic momentum toward the Viksit Odisha 2036 vision.
Majhi’s administration also enhanced healthcare access by implementing the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana alongside the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring broader protection for vulnerable populations.
