Bhubaneswar: In a sharp and unprecedented reprimand, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday issued a stern warning to Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Chief Development Officers (CDOs), accusing them of disrespecting public representatives and ignoring the democratic mandate of the people.
Addressing a two-day state-level conference of BDOs and CDOs in Bhubaneswar, CM Majhi lashed out at officials for their alleged disregard of MLAs and even the Chief Minister’s own directives.
“The era of complacency is over. You have been given sufficient authority. Do not work under anyone’s pressure; work for the people,” he said.
Visibly upset, the Chief Minister said he has documented instances where public representatives were asked to leave meetings — a trend he called unacceptable.
“Everything is stored in my small brain,” he warned. “If you continue with old habits, who will forgive you? I certainly won’t.”
He urged the officers to align their work with the vision of the newly elected government and commit themselves to clean and accountable governance. Emphasizing his tribal roots, Majhi said, “I am a tribal person, but do not mistake my simplicity for weakness. I can take tough decisions if needed.”
Majhi’s direct message to the bureaucracy marks a significant shift in tone, underscoring the new administration’s intent to enforce discipline and restore institutional accountability at the grassroots level.
The remarks are likely to resonate across the administrative machinery, signaling that the Chief Minister expects swift and visible changes in how government functionaries interact with elected representatives and the public at large.
