By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: A major political storm erupted today in Odisha after Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das made strong public statements targeting Independent MLA Himanshu Shekhar Sahu, widely known as Liku Sahu, and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi. His remarks have triggered intense debate across the state’s political landscape.
According to Bhakta Charan Das, Odisha’s sand and stone syndicates are allegedly linked to the Dharmasala MLA Liku Sahu, whose operations reportedly generate massive monthly earnings. He further claimed that Chief Minister Mohan Majhi receives financial benefits from these activities. Bhakta Charan Das went so far as to describe the Chief Minister as the “biggest beneficiary” in the illegal sand trade. These statements have created shockwaves in state politics.
The controversy intensified after the recent Nuapada by-election, where the BJP secured a notable victory. Soon after the win, BJP State President Manmohan Samal publicly stated that the party won the seat “because of Liku Sahu.” The remark raised several questions: Why would a national party praise an Independent MLA over its own elected representatives? Does the BJP lack confidence in its 80 MLAs and ministers? These questions have now become topics of internal dissent within the party.
The close public acknowledgement of Liku Sahu by both the Chief Minister and the State BJP President has fueled speculation about deeper political and business linkages. Many within the political circles are now questioning the nature of the relationship between the ruling leadership and local business networks allegedly connected to Liku Sahu.
The primary concern now is whether the government will distance itself from Liku Sahu. If the ruling party chooses not to separate itself from him, critics argue that Bhakta Charan Das’s allegations may appear more credible in the eyes of the public. This puts Chief Minister Mohan Majhi in a challenging position both politically and administratively.
As Odisha’s political environment grows increasingly turbulent, all eyes remain on Mohan Majhi’s next move. Will he choose transparency and distance himself from the controversy, or will the allegations continue to cast a shadow over his leadership? The coming days will define the government’s credibility and its ability to maintain public trust.
