Two Years of Mohan Majhi As Odisha CM: Achievements, Challenges and the Road Ahead

 Bhubaneswar: As Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approaches the completion of two years in office on June 12, 2026, his tenure presents a mixed yet significant political narrative. The Bharatiya Janata Party's historic victory in Odisha in 2024 ended the Biju Janata Dal's uninterrupted 24-year rule and raised immense expectations among the people. Two years later, the government can point to several notable achievements, but it also faces challenges that will shape its political future.

The BJP government began its tenure by swiftly implementing some of its key electoral promises. The reopening of all four gates of the Jagannath Temple in Puri fulfilled a long-standing demand of devotees. The launch of the Subhadra Yojana for women and enhancement of social security pensions helped establish the government's credibility among voters seeking change after nearly a quarter century of BJD rule.

However, governance has become more complex as the administration moves beyond its honeymoon period. Rising criminal activities in some parts of the state have emerged as a major concern. The government has responded by directing police to act firmly against criminals, with a series of encounters involving hardened offenders indicating that security agencies have been given operational freedom. Whether this approach produces lasting results remains to be seen, but it reflects the government's determination to project a tough law-and-order stance.

Economically, the government has reasons for optimism. Odisha attracted substantial investment interest during the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave, while the successful hosting of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas helped strengthen ties with the global Indian diaspora and promote the state as an emerging investment destination. The real test, however, will be whether these commitments translate into projects and employment.

The BJP's biggest political challenge lies at the grassroots. Although it benefited from anti-incumbency against the BJD in 2024, the party has yet to build a strong rural organisational structure. The previous Panchayati Raj elections highlighted this weakness, with the BJP winning only 42 Zilla Parishad seats against the BJD's 766. With Panchayat elections approaching, the party must expand its cadre base and convince voters through governance rather than relying solely on anti-BJD sentiment.

Another sensitive issue concerns public perception regarding corruption and resource exploitation. Allegations involving sand mining and local-level irregularities against some BJP leaders have surfaced periodically. Since the BJP campaigned strongly against alleged corruption and misuse of natural resources under the previous regime, any perception of similar practices could weaken its claim of providing cleaner governance.

Political commentator Srirama Dash argues that the government's reluctance to act decisively against former BJD leaders and bureaucrats accused of corruption and resource plunder has raised questions about its political resolve. Critics say the BJP has failed to pursue several high-profile cases with the urgency promised during the 2024 campaign, fuelling speculation about a possible tacit understanding between sections of the BJP and BJD. Whether justified or not, such perceptions require a transparent response.

The government's task is eased by a fragmented opposition. The BJD is still recovering from electoral defeat, while the Congress has yet to emerge as a credible alternative. However, this favourable situation may not last once opposition forces reorganise.

Several commitments also remain unfinished. The BJP had promised a social security pension of Rs 3,500 for elderly citizens. Currently, senior citizens aged 60-80 receive Rs 1,000 per month, while only those above 80 receive Rs 3,500. This gap continues to generate uncomfortable questions. Similarly, six ministerial positions remain vacant, making a Cabinet expansion increasingly necessary.

Healthcare is another area requiring attention. While the implementation of Ayushman Bharat PMJAY was expected to improve healthcare access, many beneficiaries believe the earlier Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana functioned more smoothly. The government's recent decision to include diagnostic and pathological tests under the scheme is a welcome step.

Employment generation and migration remain long-term concerns, especially in western Odisha. Expanding irrigation, promoting agro-based industries, reviving cottage industries and encouraging entrepreneurship could help reduce seasonal migration. Agriculture faces similar challenges. Despite growth in paddy, millet, fruit and vegetable production, farmers continue to struggle with inadequate market access, poor price realisation and insufficient storage infrastructure.

Administrative efficiency also demands attention. Significant budget allocations often remain unspent, delaying development projects and creating perceptions of weak governance.

As Mohan Majhi completes two years in office, the verdict is neither overwhelmingly positive nor excessively critical. His government has fulfilled important promises, launched welfare programmes and attracted investments. Yet challenges relating to law and order, healthcare implementation, employment generation, agriculture and grassroots political consolidation remain.

The next two years may prove decisive. With the final year of the government's tenure likely to be dominated by electioneering, the coming period offers perhaps the last major opportunity to convert promises into measurable outcomes. Ultimately, Majhi's challenge extends beyond completing a successful term. He must establish the BJP as a durable political force in Odisha. Whether the party remains a one-term phenomenon or evolves into a long-term governing alternative will depend largely on the decisions taken during the next two years.