Odisha By-Poll: Chief Minister Majhi Appeals to Tribal Voters While Criticising BJD Leadership

During the Nuapada by-poll campaign, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi engaged tribal voters, highlighting their challenges and criticising BJD leader Naveen Patnaik's governance. He pledged to improve basic facilities for the tribal community.

During a campaign for the Nuapada by-election, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi sought to win over tribal voters. He criticised opposition BJD president Naveen Patnaik, describing his party as a "sinking boat." Tribals make up more than 35% of Nuapada's 2.53 lakh voters.

Majhi visited the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, where he prayed to Goddess Suna Dei and dined with a tribal family. He expressed empathy for the challenges faced by those living in hilly areas. "As a tribal, I can understand their problems," Majhi stated. He promised to provide essential amenities like water, electricity, and roads to these communities.

Promises of Development

The Chief Minister assured residents that Sunabeda would see progress with the establishment of a college and the enhancement of the current government hospital. Majhi claimed he was the first Odisha chief minister to visit the tribals in Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, blaming Patnaik for their ongoing struggles.

Majhi questioned Patnaik's contributions during his 24-year tenure. "What has Naveen Babu done for you during his 24 years of governance? He does not understand your language. Tribals cannot speak in Hindi or English," Majhi remarked. He emphasised that the BJP would bring necessary changes to the region.

Political Criticism

Addressing a public gathering in Nuapada, Majhi asserted that the BJD lacks a future in Odisha politics. "Will you vote for a party which is a sinking boat?" he asked, highlighting defections from BJD, including Jay Dholakia's switch to BJP. Majhi praised Jay as the "suputra" or good son of late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia.

Majhi criticised VK Pandian, Patnaik’s close aide, claiming elected representatives felt belittled by preparing stages for him. To support his point about disrespect within BJD, he noted Snehangini Chhuria's absence from Patnaik’s roadshow bus on Friday.

BJP's Campaign Efforts

After visiting Sunabeda, Majhi led a four-hour roadshow from Khariar Road to Nuapada starting at 4 PM. This event aimed to boost BJP’s campaign before its conclusion on Sunday. Majhi urged voters to support a "Triple Engine" government: BJP at the Centre, state, and local levels.

Majhi highlighted internal issues within BJD by pointing out that leaders like Jay Dholakia left due to lack of respect. Earlier, BJD women leaders had labelled Jay as "kuputra" or bad son of the deceased MLA, accusing him of being swayed by BJP.

The Chief Minister's campaign focused on addressing tribal concerns and criticising opposition leadership. His promises included infrastructure improvements and political stability under BJP governance.

With inputs from PTI