CM Majhi Greets CRPF on 87th Foundation Day
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday, 27 July 2026 extended greetings to all Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, veterans and their families on the occasion of the force's Foundation Day, paying tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Context
The CRPF marks its Foundation Day every year on 27 July, commemorating the date in 1939 when it was raised as the Crown Representative's Police. Reorganised under the CRPF Act, 1949, the force has since grown into India's largest central armed police organisation. Chief Minister Majhi's message described the force as 'a steadfast pillar of India's internal security' that has served the nation 'with unwavering courage, dedication and sacrifice.'
Majhi, who took office in June 2024 after the BJP's assembly election victory in Odisha, also extended 'heartfelt gratitude to every CRPF personnel for their selfless service' and called their commitment to national unity 'a source of pride and inspiration for every Indian.'
Policy Backdrop
Odisha is among the states with districts historically affected by left-wing extremism, where CRPF battalions have long operated alongside state police forces. The force's counter-insurgency role spans Odisha, Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states, forming the operational backbone of the national anti-Naxalite grid coordinated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
State governments across party lines have routinely issued Foundation Day messages while working with the Centre on force deployment, modernisation and surrender-and-rehabilitation policies for left-wing extremists. The CRPF also plays a significant role in election duties and internal order management across the country.
Stakeholders and Impact
The tribute carries particular resonance for families of CRPF martyrs from Odisha and across India, as well as for active personnel deployed in conflict-prone regions. Veterans' welfare groups and residents in LWE-affected districts regard Foundation Day acknowledgements from state leadership as an important signal of political solidarity with the force.
For the BJP-led state government, the message reinforces its stated position of strong support for security forces — a consistent theme since Majhi assumed the Chief Ministership.
What's Next
Observers will watch for any follow-up coordination between the Odisha government and CRPF command on security grid expansion in LWE-affected districts or updates to the state's surrender and rehabilitation framework for left-wing extremists. Foundation Day also typically sees internal investiture ceremonies within the force, honouring personnel for acts of bravery and distinguished service.