BJP Faces Challenges in Chit Fund Refunds: What’s the Hold-Up?

BJP's Commitment to Chit Fund Victims

Bhubaneswar: The ruling BJP in Odisha is encountering obstacles in reimbursing individuals who fell victim to chit fund scams, as they claim the necessary documentation is missing from government records.

During a press briefing, BJP state president Manmohan Samal attributed the issue to the previous BJD administration, which governed the state for 24 years until 2024.

"We assured the victims of chit fund fraud that their money would be returned once we assumed power. The process has commenced, but the government is struggling to locate the required documents to proceed," Samal stated.

Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the BJP's dedication to compensating the affected depositors.

"It has only been 11 months since we took office, and we are committed to fulfilling our promise. We still have four years to make this right," he added.

Samal further accused the former BJD government of complicity in the fraud, alleging that crucial documents related to the chit fund scam were removed in trucks between June 4 and June 11 last year, just before the BJP's takeover.

Mohan Charan Majhi was inaugurated as the chief minister on June 12, 2024.

Samal mentioned that efforts are underway to recover the documents, after which a policy will be established to facilitate the refunds.

"We are determined to return the money to approximately 4 million individuals who were deceived by these chit fund companies," he asserted.

In response, the BJD criticized the BJP government as "inefficient," emphasizing that it is the state's duty to procure the documents and ensure the refunds.

BJD MLA and former minister Arun Kumar Sahoo remarked, "Blaming others does not resolve the issue; the government must take responsibility."

Congress MLA Dasarathi Gomang echoed this sentiment, claiming that neither the BJP nor the BJD has shown the resolve to return the funds to the victims.

Jayant Das, a representative of the affected individuals, dismissed Samal's claims regarding the missing documents, stating, "There are numerous methods to reimburse the victims. The government must demonstrate the will to fulfill its pre-election promises."