‘Golden era of industrialisation has begun in Odisha,’ says CM Majhi; BJD calls it hype

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday claimed that the state has entered a “golden era” of industrialisation, citing a strong investor response at the recently concluded investor summit held in Hyderabad.

Speaking to reporters after being accorded a warm welcome at the airport, Majhi said the summit attracted investment intents worth around ₹67,000 crore. He asserted that the proposals would play a crucial role in realising the state’s long-term development roadmap under Vision Odisha 2036 and contribute to the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.

“The response we received in Hyderabad clearly indicates that Odisha is on track to emerge as India’s largest investment hub,” the chief minister said, adding that the state government is committed to providing a conducive environment for industries through policy support, infrastructure development and ease-of-doing-business reforms.

Majhi also highlighted Odisha’s strengths in sectors such as mining, metals, renewable energy, food processing and manufacturing, stating that focused efforts are being made to attract both domestic and global investors.

However, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) dismissed the chief minister’s claims as “hype”. Senior BJD leaders alleged that similar announcements were made in the past without translating into substantial on-ground industrial growth or employment generation.

The opposition also questioned the actual conversion of investment intents into implemented projects and urged the government to place detailed data in the public domain regarding timelines, job creation and sector-wise allocation of the proposed investments.

The exchange reflects the emerging political contest over the narrative of Odisha’s industrial growth, with the ruling government projecting optimism while the opposition remains sceptical about the outcomes.