Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said social media influencers are free to criticise the government but cautioned that any form of disrespect towards the nation is unacceptable.
Addressing a gathering of social media influencers in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of the BJP government’s second anniversary in Odisha, Majhi stressed that national interest should remain paramount irrespective of ideological differences.
“Everyone may have different ideologies, but the nation must remain supreme. Criticism of the government is part of democracy, but criticism should never cross the line into disrespecting the country,” the Chief Minister said.
Describing social media influencers as powerful “digital ambassadors” and future “opinion leaders” of a developed India and a prosperous Odisha, Majhi highlighted their growing role in shaping public opinion and social discourse.
At the same time, he urged content creators to exercise responsibility while using digital platforms and avoid posts that could trigger unnecessary controversies.
The Chief Minister said social media content should go beyond merely attracting views or providing momentary entertainment and should instead contribute positively to society.
Calling for a shift from “clickbait and cheap fame” to “purpose-driven content,” he encouraged influencers to use their reach to spread constructive messages and promote social awareness.
Majhi also spoke about the challenges faced by the younger generation in the digital age, noting that despite being talented and creative, many young people often struggle with information overload, identity-related pressures, and the negative influences prevalent in cyberspace.
He urged influencers to play a constructive role in guiding society and fostering a healthy digital environment through responsible content creation.
