Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has pledged to ensure justice in the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, while accusing the previous BJD government of negligence in handling the case.
Speaking at a special programme in Gurjang, Angul, marking the spiritual leader’s birth centenary, Majhi alleged that files and reports linked to commissions that investigated the 2008 killing had disappeared from Lok Seva Bhavan. He said the government would work to uncover the truth and ensure accountability.
Majhi also announced plans to develop Gurjang, Swami Laxmanananda’s native village, as a Heritage Village, while the local panchayat will be transformed into a Model Panchayat.
The Chief Minister highlighted the late leader’s work among tribal communities in Kandhamal, including his role in establishing ashrams, educational institutions and programmes focused on Sanskrit and traditional values.
He said the government has renamed Phulbani Government Medical College after Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and sanctioned ₹13 crore for heritage conservation and development at Jalespata Ashram and associated institutions. A 300-seat girls’ hostel will receive ₹5 crore, while ₹3 crore has been earmarked for heritage conservation.
Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also attended the programme.