Bhubaneswar, July 28 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday said the disappearance of the Justice Naidu Commission report and related files on the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his associates from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Lok Seva Bhavan was part of a well-planned conspiracy.
Majhi made the remarks during a special programme held in Bhubaneswar to mark the release of a book on Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
Referring to the killing that took place on the night of Janmashtami in 2008, the Chief Minister strongly criticised the alleged failure and appeasement politics of the then Biju Janata Dal government.
CM Majhi said the investigation into the missing files case has been entrusted to the Crime Branch to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of the Naidu Commission report.
He assured the people of the state that the truth would certainly come to light and that his government would not spare the real culprits behind the killing under any circumstances. On the occasion, the Chief Minister released the book Vedanta Kesari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati: Kruti O Byaktitwa, authored in Odia by Bipin Bihari Nanda and in Hindi by Banchhanidhi Panda.
“The biography of a great personality is not merely a compilation of past events but serves as a guiding light for future generations. Swami Laxmanananda’s selfless dedication to the welfare of the neglected and marginalised sections of society and his efforts to promote national consciousness will continue to enrich the country’s cultural heritage,” said CM Majhi.
The Chief Minister said Swami Laxmanananda was not merely a monk but a protector of the tribal communities of Kandhamal and a beacon of spiritual awakening. Through the Chakapada and Jaleshpata Ashrams, Swamiji worked to educate and empower tribal girls while raising his voice against illegal religious conversions, cow slaughter, and anti-national conspiracies.
The Chief Minister said the Odisha government has named the Government Medical College and Hospital at Phulbani after Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati to preserve his enduring legacy.
He also announced a Rs 13-crore grant to preserve the Jaleshpata Ashram, construct a 300-seat girls’ hostel, and improve infrastructure, including water supply, with work to begin soon.
During Swami Laxmanananda’s birth centenary year from August 21, seminars and workshops will be organised across Odisha and at universities nationwide to propagate his ideals.
Former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who attended the event as the guest of honour, described Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati as a great freedom fighter, revolutionary, and a leading figure of the Garjat movement. Pradhan said Swamiji’s contribution to the security and development of present-day Phulbani in Kandhamal district was unparalleled.
He also highlighted Swamiji’s continuous efforts to promote women’s education and make all sections of society self-reliant. Pradhan said Swamiji’s ideals and inspiration would serve as a guiding force in building a ‘Samruddha Odisha’ and a “Viksit Bharat”.
Attending the event as the Chief Guest, RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale described Swamiji as a formidable force who dedicated his life to cow protection and uplifting the downtrodden. He urged the gathering to follow the path and ideals shown by the spiritual leader.
–IANS
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