Political Slugfest Over Mango Kernel Deaths: Odisha Government Faces Backlash On Food Scarcity

Opposition leaders are slamming the BJP-led state government, alleging negligence and failure to provide adequate food security in vulnerable areas leading to health crisis.

Bhubaneswar:Even though Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered an RDC inquiry into the mango kernel deaths in Kandhamal's Mandipanka village, the state politics continues to remain embroiled in a fierce debate over the adequacy of food provisions in tribal regions. Two women of the village reportedly died due to consumption of mango kernel gruel, a food that is alleged to be eaten in case of food scarcity. The incident, which has drawn nationwide attention, has ignited a public outcry and prompted strong criticism of the state government’s policies and alleged failures in serving the tribal population.

The tragedy has become a focal point for the opposition, which is demanding accountability from the ruling party. Opposition leaders from the BJD and Congress have accused the government of gross negligence, arguing that the state’s promises of food security are not reaching its most vulnerable communities. Adding fuel to the controversy, statements from state officials have further angered residents and leaders alike. BJP MLA Saroj Padhi defended the government’s claim that “mango takua,” a traditional mango paste, is an acceptable food choice for tribals, sparking accusations of insensitivity and an inadequate understanding of the region’s hardships.

Opposition spokespersons are demanding the resignation of Supplies Minister Krushnachandra Patra, claiming he has failed to address systemic issues in food distribution. The BJD has also called for an apology from the Deputy Chief Minister over comments that seemed to trivialize the struggles of tribal communities. “When people are struggling to secure basic food, calling mango paste ‘traditional food’ is insensitive and dismissive,” argued Jaydev Jena, a Congress leader.

The State’s Food Security Crisis in Tribal Areas

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, returning from a trip to Delhi, has ordered an RDC-level inquiry into the tragedy. He instructed the distribution of three months’ worth of rice to the affected areas as a temporary relief measure. However, opposition leaders, particularly from the BJD and Congress, have criticized the government’s delayed response, pointing out that neither the Chief Minister nor any cabinet ministers have visited the area to assess the situation firsthand.

On the day NHRC member Manoj Jena and former union minister Braja Kishore Tripathy visited the affected at MKCG MCH.

However, many believe that these steps are too little, too late. Political commentator Rabi Dash said that such tragedies signal a failure to address deep-seated poverty and a lack of access to food, jobs, and healthcare for Odisha’s tribal communities. “What was acceptable two decades ago is intolerable today. This is not simply a matter of ‘traditional food’—it’s about survival in the face of extreme neglect,” he said.

Past Incidents Highlight a Systemic Issue

The recent tragedy is not an isolated case. In 2001, 24 people died in Rayagada district after consuming mango paste amidst similar conditions of food scarcity, an event that drew both national and international attention. In 2016, a similar incident saw two people die after eating mango kernel paste. These cases illustrate a recurring problem within Odisha’s food security system and underscore the urgency of addressing gaps in government welfare programs.

Political Fallout and Opposition Demands

The BJD has stepped up its demands, calling not only for the resignation of the Supply Minister but also the arrest of officials responsible for what it terms “criminal negligence.” BJD spokesperson Lekhashree Samantasinghar questioned the effectiveness of the public distribution system (PDS), citing reports that the affected families had not received adequate rice supplies. “There was a provision for advance delivery of rice, yet here we are facing such tragedies,” she said. The system of advance rice distribution has collapsed, and the government must explain why these communities are being forced to rely on foraged food instead of regular PDS rations, the spokesperson questioned.

In response, Supplies Minister Patra defended the government’s approach, claiming rice for October, November, and December had already been distributed. He insisted that “mango takua” is merely an additional food, not a substitute for PDS grains. However, this has done little to quell criticism, with calls for an investigation into the efficiency and consistency of PDS distributions in remote areas.

A day after the incident, Subodh Majhi, husband of one of Tuni Majhi who is undergoing treatment at the hospital, said the community had stopped consuming the mango kernel gruel since long. "But we all consumed the gruel four days back while some leftover was kept stored. Some women in the neighbourhood took out the stale gruel and consumed it leading to health problems," he stated. However, on the day (Wednesday), some of the villagers said, they had received the PDS rice till July 2023 while the due PDS rice was supplied to them two days back. ASHA of the Panchayat said, "When there is shortage of rice or grains, the villagers resort to adding dried mango kernel to rice and consume it. It is the usual practice but unfortunately this time the kernel was stale and it led to food poisoning."

Current Medical Situation and Aftermath

The affected individuals, including two others shifted to Cuttack SCB Medical College, remain in critical condition due to multi-organ failure. Doctors are closely monitoring their condition, although the prognosis remains uncertain.

• Incident: Two women died, and six others are critically ill after consuming mango paste in Kandhamal’s tribal village.

• Government Response: Chief Minister has ordered an RDC-level inquiry and directed the distribution of three months’ rice in the affected region.

• Political Fallout: Opposition leaders demand resignation of Supply Minister and an apology from the Deputy Chief Minister for insensitive comments.

• Historical Context: Similar food scarcity incidents in Odisha in 2001 (24 deaths) and 2016 (2 deaths).

• Medical Situation: Patients are in critical condition with multi-organ failure; treatment is ongoing at Berhampur and Cuttack Medical Colleges.

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