Hans News Service Bhubaneswar

OdishaChief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday launched a scathing attack on the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led State government over its alleged failure, negligence and appeasement politics in connection with the brutal killing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in 2008, which had shocked the entire State. The Chief Minister made the remarks, while addressing a special programme held at Gurjang in Talcher area of Anugola district, on Friday to mark the birth centenary of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. In his address, Majhi also alleged, “the disappearance of the reports and files of the Justice Mahapatra Commission and Justice Naidu Commission, constituted to investigate Swamiji’s murder, from Lok Seva Bhavan was a deliberate conspiracy to shield the perpetrators.” The Chief Minister also gave a firm assurance to the four-and-a-half crore people of Odisha, saying that every drop of Swamiji’s blood would get justice and that the truth would certainly be brought to light.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced that the Swamiji’s native village of Gurjang, associated with his memory, will be developed as a ‘Heritage Village’, while the Gurjang panchayat will be developed as a ‘Model Panchayat’.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, “Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was not merely an individual, but an embodiment of a great ideal, a divine institution and a radiant guide of Sanatan Dharma. In this modern era, he (Swamiji) renounced worldly comforts and lived in the remote and dense forests of Kandhamala, dedicated his life to the service of helpless tribal people.” Majhi also added that Swamiji established the Chakapad and Jalespata ashrams and a Kanya Gurukul there, empowering tribal girls through Sanskrit education and values.

“The seeds of culture sown by him have now grown into a mighty tree, while the awareness he initiated against religious conversion has emerged across the State as an awakened Sanatani resolve. Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati is the ‘Guru, Granth and Garima’ (Teacher, Sacred Text and Pride) of our society,” Majhi said.

The Chief Minister called upon the Gen Z to reconnect with their roots, education, culture, Vedas, Sanskrit, cow protection and Sanatani traditions, and participate in nation-building with patriotism and courage.

He said honouring Swamiji’s unparalleled sacrifice and service, the State government had taken several important decisions, including renaming the ‘Phulbani Government Medical College’ as the ‘Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Medical College’ and sanctioning Rs 13 crore from the ‘Chief Minister’s Special Assistance’ (CMSA) fund for the development and heritage conservation of Swamiji’s workplace, the Jalespata Ashram, Ashram School and Kanyashram.

Of this, Rs 5 crore will be spent on constructing a 300-seat hostel for girl students, while Rs 3 crore will be spent on conserving the heritage site. A Mega River Lift project will also be implemented to ensure drinking water supply. Among others, Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and former Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan also attended the event and addressed the gathering.