Political Drive: Senior Journalist Ramesh Mohanty Alleges ₹100 Crore Deal Behind Odisha’s Sub-Plot Registration Revival

By Sunil Jena | Editor-in-Chief, The Politics Odia

Bhubaneswar : A major controversy has erupted over Odisha’s sub-plot registration policy after senior journalist Ramesh Mohanty, during his Political Drive programme, made serious allegations linking the revival of sub-plot registrations to an alleged financial understanding between influential builders and the state government.

Mohanty claimed that sub-plot registration, which had remained a contentious issue for years, was reopened following what he described as a large-scale deal involving powerful real estate interests. He further alleged that Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari had initially sought ₹500 crore and that the alleged understanding was ultimately settled at ₹100 crore.

These allegations have generated significant political debate across Odisha’s real estate and governance sectors. However, no independent evidence supporting these claims has been publicly produced so far, and the allegations remain unverified.

Background: The 3.36 Lakh Sub-Plot Registration Controversy

The controversy comes amid revelations that more than 3.36 lakh sub-plots were allegedly registered in violation of provisions introduced under the Registration (Odisha Amendment) Act, 2013.

An internal review reportedly identified large numbers of registrations across urban areas, including Khordha, Jatni, Khandagiri and Berhampur. Questions have also been raised regarding the role of registration officials and administrative authorities who served during the period when these registrations took place.

The issue has become one of the most debated land governance matters in Odisha in recent years.

Government’s New Approach

The state government has recently introduced measures and procedural relaxations concerning sub-plot registrations, aiming to address long-pending concerns of plot owners and land buyers.

Officials have argued that many ordinary citizens who purchased plots in good faith should not suffer due to administrative complexities. The government has therefore attempted to streamline registration procedures while introducing fresh compliance mechanisms.

However, critics argue that the timing of these changes requires greater transparency.

Corruption Questions Enter Public Debate

Ramesh Mohanty’s allegations have introduced a corruption angle into the ongoing policy debate.

The central questions now being raised include:

Why was sub-plot registration reopened after years of controversy?
Who benefited from the policy changes?
Were builders involved in influencing policy decisions?
Did any financial transactions take place behind the scenes?
Will the government order an independent inquiry into the allegations?

At present, these questions remain unanswered.

The Politics Odia Seeks Official Clarification

In the interest of balanced journalism, The Politics Odia has sought an official response from Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari regarding the allegations made during Political Drive.

The publication remains committed to carrying the Minister’s response in full and updating readers as more information becomes available.

Until any official clarification, investigation, or documentary evidence emerges, the allegations should be viewed as claims made by a public commentator and not as established facts.

Senior journalist Ramesh Mohanty has made serious allegations regarding the reopening of sub-plot registration in Odisha and has publicly named Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari.

As these allegations are now in the public domain, we seek an official clarification from Hon'ble… pic.twitter.com/h6DCK7tN34
— The Politics Odia (@thepoliticsodia) June 24, 2026

Why This Story Matters

The sub-plot issue affects lakhs of landowners across Odisha. Any allegation involving policy decisions, builder influence, or potential corruption carries significant public interest implications.

Whether the controversy results in political confrontation, official inquiry, or policy review, the issue is likely to remain at the centre of Odisha’s political discourse in the coming months.

Sunil Jena’s Observation

The controversy surrounding Odisha’s sub-plot registration policy has moved beyond a land administration issue and entered the realm of public accountability. While allegations alone cannot establish wrongdoing, the seriousness of the claims and the scale of the sub-plot registration controversy make transparency essential. A detailed clarification from the government, supported by documentary facts, would help address growing public concerns and prevent speculation from dominating the debate.

Author Profile

Sunil Jena: Sunil Jena is the Editor of The Politics Odia, an independent digital platform that delivers fearless political analysis, ground reports, and investigative stories from Odisha. Known for bold storytelling and grassroots connections, Sunil is shaping a new era of regional journalism.