By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief
The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: 19 months have passed since the formation of the BJP government in Odisha under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. As the new year begins, a serious public debate has emerged across the state on how this government is functioning and where it is heading.
There is visible public dissatisfaction in many parts of Odisha. A major reason behind this anger is the lack of coordination within the new power structure. For the first time, the BJP is running the state government, and both political leadership and administrative machinery appear to be struggling to find common ground. Senior bureaucrats and field-level officials are often seen functioning in isolation, creating a governance gap that directly affects development work on the ground.
Several development projects have slowed down, not due to a lack of resources, but rather because of administrative confusion and weak decision-making. Policy announcements are frequent, but implementation remains inconsistent. Critics argue that governance has increasingly become publicity-driven rather than performance-oriented.
The Chief Minister’s frequent helicopter travel has also become a subject of public discussion. While official tours are part of governance, questions are being raised about priorities at a time when rural connectivity, employment, and basic services demand urgent attention. People expect visible outcomes, not just aerial reviews.
Another challenge facing the government is communication. Effective administration requires clarity, confidence, and command over policy articulation. Observers feel that the Chief Minister is still adjusting to the complex demands of leading a state like Odisha, which requires constant coordination with officers, ministers, and central agencies.
After 19 months, the people of Odisha are not merely looking for assurances. They are seeking direction, stability, and reliable delivery. The coming months will be crucial for the Mohan Majhi government to prove whether it can move beyond internal adjustments and translate power into performance.
This New Year special episode of The Political Lens raises a simple but important question: Is Odisha witnessing governance in action, or governance in transition?
