Odisha CM Mohan Majhi visits native place, relishes 'pakhala' with family

Keonjhar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi received a warm welcome from his family members during his visit to his native place at Raikala in Keonjhar district.

After reaching the village, he along with his wife Priyanka Marndi bowed his head to his mother in the presence of many in front of his home. Before entering the home, his family members welcomed him by washing his feet.

Majhi relished his favourite food item 'Pakhala' - a popular Odia cuisine - sitting on the floor with his wife and other family members at his home. In a video, his mother was seen feeding him Pakhala.

"I am delighted to visit my village after taking charge as the Chief Minister of Odisha. This is quite natural, and I am not exempted from this. This is the holy soil where I was born and brought up. I received blessings from this soil and became the CM. After taking oath as the CM on June 12, I wanted to visit my place. On the request of the people of my constituency and village, my tour was scheduled for today," the CM told reporters after having lunch together with family.

Recalling his journey from sarpanch to chief minister post, he said, "I started my political career from my village. I have been blessed to serve people as sarpanch, MLA and then the Chief Minister from here only. I will work 18-20 hours a day to serve people of Odisha and to make my home district Keonjhar as No.1 in the state. If Keonjhar district will be developed, Odisha will see a new height in the country."

On having Pakhala in his lunch, he said, "Pakhala is my favourite food. I used to relish it thrice a day in my childhood. When I went outside, did not get opportunity to have it. However, I enjoy it whenever I visit village. I eat whatever might have been cooked by my mother at home. I enjoy Pakhala along with varieties of dishes. To be a very honest, I never get that satisfaction in 5-star hotels that I get from it because mother's love has been added to this item."

This was Majhi's first visit to native after he assumed the office of Chief Minister in Odisha. He embarked on 2-day trip to his hometown yesterday. He met common people in his constituency Keonjhar and received their grievance letters. During his 2-day programme, he participated in roadshows and addressed several public meetings.