Odisha CM Majhi Condemns Opposition Over SCB Medical College Fire Incident
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a sharp critique on Thursday against opposition parties for what he termed "politicizing" the recent fire incident at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Speaking during the water resources department's budget debate in the assembly, Majhi accused the opposition of exploiting tragedy for political gain.
Mock Procession Draws CM's Ire
The CM specifically referenced a demonstration organized by opposition parties outside the assembly on Wednesday, where participants carried out a mock procession with symbolic 'dead bodies' to demand Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling's resignation. "The opposition may take out processions over dead bodies and mock the victims, but we will work for the people and wipe their tears," Majhi declared emphatically.
Scathing Attack on Previous BJD Government's Agricultural Record
Turning his attention to the previous Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal administration, Majhi tore into what he called their 24-year "good governance" claims, particularly regarding farmer welfare. "The former chief minister and current leader of opposition knows that if even a little water reached farmers' fields, half of agriculture's problems would be solved. But even this much work couldn't be done properly," the CM asserted.
Irrigation Department Became 'Hangout Spot' for Contractors
Majhi alleged severe mismanagement during BJD's tenure, claiming the irrigation department and Rajiv Bhawan—which houses the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority—had transformed into "hangout spots of non-Odia contractors" where irrigation work occurred only on paper. He cited specific canal systems including Puri, Taladanda, and Rengali, where he said tail-end farmers "received wind instead of water."
BJP Government's Agricultural Initiatives and Budget Proposals
The Chief Minister highlighted his government's efforts to address these historical shortcomings, noting that the BJP administration had "resolved to end contractor-raj" and establish a transparent system for irrigation facilities. He pointed to the Krushak Samruddhi Yojana as evidence of their commitment to farmers.
Majhi revealed startling statistics about irrigation coverage, stating that despite BJD's 2006 announcement to irrigate 35% of farmland—later expanded to every village in 2008—"even today, 25 blocks have not got a drop of irrigation water." He added that the previous government failed to provide clean drinking water to all villages during its tenure.
Substantial Budget Allocation for Water Resources
The CM outlined ambitious plans to rectify these issues, including:
- Formation of Mission Power to provide piped drinking water to all villages by 2027
- Allocation of approximately Rs 14,500 crore for irrigation department programme expenditure—a 14.23% increase over the previous year
- Proposal to grant "Heritage Status" to select river dams to promote conservation, research, tourism, and water heritage preservation
- Rs 100 crore proposed expenditure for heritage dam initiatives in 2026-27
Majhi emphasized that his government had proposed reform-oriented schemes in the 2026-27 budget specifically designed to meet water needs, improve living standards, and boost water conservation efforts across Odisha. "Let the opposition mock victims—we will work for the people," he concluded, reaffirming his administration's commitment to addressing both immediate crises like the hospital fire and long-standing agricultural challenges.
