BJD accuses CM Majhi of publicity-driven flood visit in Odisha
Synopsis
The BJD has turned Odisha's flood crisis into a political flashpoint, accusing Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of prioritising felicitation programmes and social media reels over actual relief delivery — and demanding action over an allegedly helmetless motorcycle ride through flood-hit Jajpur.
Key Takeaways
BJD alleged on 18 August that CM Mohan Charan Majhi 's flood visit was driven by publicity, not relief.
Spokesperson Lenin Mohanty claimed essential items including polythene sheets had not reached many flood victims in Odisha .
CM Majhi allegedly spent more time at felicitation programmes than with flood-affected residents in Jajpur district .
BJD MLAs Pramila Mallik and Sujata Sahu were reportedly ignored during the Chief Minister's visit.
A motorcycle ride by CM Majhi and Minister Suraj Suryabanshi without helmets drew allegations of a traffic rule violation.
The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday, 18 August alleged that Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's visit to flood-affected districts was driven by political optics rather than genuine relief efforts, as thousands of residents continue to suffer from severe inundation across the state.
Key Allegations by BJD
Speaking at a press conference at Shankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty charged that the state government had failed to ensure timely delivery of essential relief materials — including dry rations, cooked food, and polythene sheets — to flood victims. Mohanty said the Chief Minister's visit had 'come as salt to the injury' of people already suffering due to the floods.
Mohanty further alleged that Chief Minister Majhi had attended feasts in Delhi while several districts of Odisha were reeling under floodwaters, calling the priorities of the state administration into question.
Visit to Jajpur District Under Scrutiny
The BJD acknowledged that the Chief Minister's visit to the worst-hit Jajpur district was necessary given the scale of devastation, but argued it was conducted more for political purposes than to address the immediate concerns of affected residents. Mohanty claimed that Chief Minister Majhi 'spent less time with the flood-affected people and more time at felicitation programmes' during the visit.
He also alleged that BJD MLAs Pramila Mallik and Sujata Sahu were waiting to meet the Chief Minister during his tour but were allegedly ignored, while he was reportedly accompanied by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders throughout.
Motorcycle Ride Row
The press conference also drew attention to visuals of State Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryabanshi riding a motorcycle with Chief Minister Majhi seated behind him in the flood-affected area. Mohanty alleged the stunt was staged for social media reels and raised a pointed question: both officials were reportedly riding without helmets, which he argued constituted a violation of traffic rules. He demanded to know whether the State Transport Department would take cognisance of the alleged violation.
Relief Failures and Government Response
The BJD termed the Chief Minister's flood-area visit 'completely devoid of substance,' alleging that the government had failed to adequately address the immediate needs of flood victims. Essential items such as polythene sheets had reportedly not reached many affected households. The state government had not issued a formal response to these allegations at the time of reporting.
What Comes Next
With flood conditions persisting across multiple Odisha districts, pressure is mounting on the Majhi government to demonstrate tangible relief delivery. The BJD's public offensive signals that flood management is set to become a key political battleground in the state, with opposition scrutiny likely to intensify in the days ahead.
Point of View
Ignored MLAs, and felicitation stages in flood zones. That specificity is harder for the ruling BJP to dismiss than a general charge of relief failure. What the coverage risks missing is the ground reality: whether relief actually reached Jajpur's worst-affected pockets, or whether both sides are performing for cameras while victims wait. Odisha has historically had one of India's better disaster-response frameworks; if that machinery has slipped under the new government, the consequences extend well beyond one press conference.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the BJD allege about CM Majhi's flood visit in Odisha?
The BJD alleged that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's visit to flood-affected areas of Odisha on 18 August was aimed more at political publicity than genuine relief. Spokesperson Lenin Mohanty claimed Majhi spent more time at felicitation programmes than with flood victims, and that essential relief materials had not reached many affected households.
Which district did CM Majhi visit during the Odisha floods?
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited Jajpur district, identified as one of the worst-hit areas during the current Odisha floods. The BJD acknowledged the visit was necessary but alleged it was conducted for political purposes rather than to address victims' immediate needs.
What is the motorcycle ride controversy involving CM Majhi?
Visuals circulated of Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryabanshi riding a motorcycle with CM Majhi seated behind him in the flood-affected area. The BJD alleged both officials were not wearing helmets, constituting a traffic rule violation, and demanded the State Transport Department take action.
Did BJD MLAs get to meet CM Majhi during his flood tour?
According to the BJD, MLAs Pramila Mallik and Sujata Sahu were waiting to meet the Chief Minister during his visit but were allegedly ignored. Mohanty claimed Majhi was accompanied by BJP leaders throughout the tour instead.
Has the Odisha government responded to the BJD's allegations?
The state government had not issued a formal response to the BJD's allegations at the time of reporting. The ruling BJP had not publicly addressed the charges of relief failure or the motorcycle ride controversy raised at the BJD press conference.
