An onerous task in Odisha
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singhdeo, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and former Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik during a meeting in Bhubaneswar. File photo: Special Arrangement
The Mohan Majhi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government ascended to power with the promise of transforming Odisha’s image, which has long been associated with poverty and backwardness. During the election campaign earlier this year, the party had accused former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of failing to uplift a large section of population living below the poverty line.Some events in the State in recent months show that promises are easier made than implemented. In November, three women died after consuming gruel made of mango kernel, a traditional food preserved by...