Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a scathing attack on the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, accusing it of failing to deliver on the promises that brought it to power. During a press conference held at Chaibasa, he alleged that the Jharkhand government has failed to support educational initiatives, particularly those aimed at promoting the Oriya language in Kolhan division. Majhi noted that the region, comprising West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, and Saraikela Kharsawan districts, is home to a large Odia-speaking population, but the government's neglect has led to the decline of schools and the lack of Oriya language teachers. "Schools that once thrived are now moribund due to the government's apathy," Majhi said, calling for the revival of Odia culture and education in these districts.
Majhi also took aim at the Hemant Soren administration’s handling of the state’s rich mining resources. He alleged that the non-granting of mining leases had led to the closure of numerous mining industries, exacerbating the unemployment crisis in the state. "In contrast, Odisha's mining industry earns more than ₹50,000 crore annually. Jharkhand, despite its abundant resources, is languishing due to the inefficiency of the government," Majhi said.
CM Majhi criticized the Soren government for allegedly betraying the common people of the state and leaving several critical announcements unfulfilled. He pointed to a growing discontent among the state's residents, indicating that the people of Jharkhand are now seeking change as their ultimate goal.
Majhi outlined key promises that the Hemant Soren government had made during its campaign, including the provision of 5 lakh jobs for youth, the regularization of teachers and medical personnel, the introduction of employment under an unemployment law, and a pension scheme offering ₹2,000 per month for women. However, according to the Odisha CM, these promises remain mere rhetoric with no significant action taken to implement them.
"The government has cheated the common people," Majhi remarked, adding that the administration has not only failed in delivering on its own pledges but has also hindered progress by not implementing centrally sponsored schemes. "Farmers are facing huge losses due to the non-implementation of these schemes," he said, drawing parallels with the fall of the BJD government in Odisha, which he claims suffered a similar fate for neglecting central projects.
Majhi's remarks come at a time when political tensions are rising in Jharkhand, with BJP's "Parivartan Yatra" (Change Rally) gaining momentum. According to Majhi, the rally has garnered significant support from the people of Jharkhand, signaling a clear desire for a shift in governance. "The Prime Minister wants to bring more facilities to the state, but the government is not willing to accept them," Majhi claimed, underscoring the need for what he termed a "double-engine government" — a BJP-led government at both the state and central levels for synchronized development.
Majhi's critique of the Soren government went beyond political promises, highlighting what he described as a severe stagnation in the state’s economic and infrastructural development. He cited poor progress in essential sectors like health, roads, and drinking water, further pointing to the plight of Jharkhand's farmers, whose average income of ₹4,895 is the lowest in the country.
The press conference was attended by several BJP leaders, including Dineshananda Goswami and Badkunwar Gagarai, along with a large gathering of party workers, signaling the party’s readiness to take on the Hemant Soren government in the upcoming elections.
