Majhi Hits Back at Patnaik’s ‘Speech’ Jibe, Questions BJD Chief’s Public Engagement

A day after former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik remarked that “long speeches do not bring development,” current Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi responded sharply, accusing Patnaik of rarely engaging with the public directly during his tenure.

Speaking at the “State Level Bikas Mela” in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, held to mark the completion of one year of the BJP government in Odisha, Majhi said, “Naveen Patnaik used to wave at people and read out what was written for him. He never spoke from the heart or connected with the masses.”

The remark was a direct counter to Patnaik’s subtle criticism on Tuesday, where the BJD leader had suggested that development should be visible on the ground and not just in words.

Majhi, who has been vocal about restoring transparency and public outreach under his administration, highlighted his government’s efforts in bringing people-oriented governance. “We believe in walking the talk. Our development model is based on participation and accountability,” he stated.

The exchange marks a new phase of political sparring between the ruling BJP and opposition BJD, as both parties gear up for crucial policy battles in the Assembly.

With the first anniversary of the BJP-led government approaching on June 12, the Bikas Mela is being positioned as a showcase of its achievements and a platform to contrast its approach with the previous BJD regime.