Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of repeatedly making false cultural and regional claims at the Rising Odisha conclave organized by News18 Odia .
“She once claimed Rasagolla as her own, and now she has established Jagannath Dham in Digha. She even calls Bangladeshis residents of West Bengal. People who know the truth will never accept such claims,” Majhi said, adding that Odisha has always provided safety and shelter to people from Bengal.
Majhi also outlined his government’s vision for Odisha’s growth under the “double-engine model,” highlighting initiatives for the poor, women, farmers, and youth.
He pointed to achievements such as making 28,000 government appointments, beginning recruitment processes for 85,000 more, raising MSP for paddy, holding public hearings, and industrial strides through the Utkarsh Odisha–Make in Odisha Conclave and the Odisha Textile Conclave.
He reiterated his government’s stance on a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and stressed the goal of building a ‘Samruddha Odisha’ by strengthening current successes.
The conclave also featured detailed presentations from cabinet ministers and senior officials. Industry Minister Sampad Swain highlighted industrial potential and jobs, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik discussed Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha, Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra spoke on urban facilities, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan explained the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa, and Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee described agriculture’s role as the state’s development engine.
A panel discussion on “Odisha is Moving Forward” saw participation from Biranchi Tripathy (BJP), Pratap Jena (BJD), and Bhakta Charan Das (Congress). The conclave also included a cultural session with Ollywood actor Anubhav Mohanty, and a youth-focused panel, Star Banauchi Mobile, featuring popular YouTubers Natia, Krishna, and Nitiyana.
Network18’s Chief Content Officer Santosh Menon and Managing Editor Dhrubajyoti Pramanik felicitated the guests, while News18 Odia’s editor Narendra Nath Jena delivered the welcome address and expressed gratitude.