Development can’t happen merely with social media posts: Odisha CM Mohan Majhi targets Naveen Patnaik

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Monday launched a sharp counter against Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, raising questions over his continued absence from the Odisha Assembly.

Majhi said Naveen Patnaik doesn’t have the patience to sit in the Assembly even for two minutes, but is able to spend six hours campaigning in Nuapada. The Chief Minister further asked how many days Naveen had attended the House since the session began nine days ago, how much time he spent inside, and in how many debates he participated in to hold the government accountable.

Stating that development cannot happen merely through posts on the social media platform ‘X’, Majhi said the Assembly is the platform meant for raising issues. “If there are health issues, it is understood. But if there is time for election campaigning, why is there no time for the House?” he remarked.

Also Read: Naveen Patnaik’s continued absence in Odisha Assembly raises eyebrows

He also criticised Opposition MLAs for walking out during his statement. Taking a dig, Majhi said it was not just the Opposition but even the Leader of the Opposition who lacked patience. With sarcasm, he added that the government was ready to run the House till morning, but the Opposition seemed more eager to watch a cricket match after receiving tickets.

Earlier in the evening, speaking outside the Assembly on the Appropriation Bill discussion, Naveen Patnaik had commented that the government was content with “noise and commotion”, comparing it to an empty vessel making more noise.