The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday organised a high-intensity Janasamparka Padayatra (Mass Contact Rally) in the Bhubaneswar Central Assembly constituency, drawing a massive gathering of party workers and local citizens.
Addressing the large assembly, BJD President and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the ruling government, accusing it of utter incompetence and widespread apathy toward the common people.
Mr Patnaik remarked that while the BJD’s core agenda during its governance was holistic development, the current “double-engine” administration’s primary focus seems restricted to political self-preservation. Highlighting the struggles of everyday citizens, he stated that farmers, women, senior citizens, the working poor, and the middle class are all facing severe hardships under the current regime.
Expressing deep concern over the younger generation, Mr Patnaik asserted that the future of Gen Z has been thrown into darkness. He pointed out that escalating prices of essential commodities are crushing households, yet the government remains in a deep, indifferent slumber—likening its inaction to that of a ‘Nida Vishnu’. He mocked the ruling administration, claiming it has secured the “number one” rank nationwide solely in terms of administrative failure and governance lapses.
Calling upon party rank and file, Mr Patnaik urged workers to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the public and relentlessly expose the shortcomings of the ruling government.
The rally also featured fierce critiques of the state administration by several prominent BJD leaders. Former Minister Ashok Panda, MLAs Sushant Rout and Anant Narayan Jena, Mayor Sulochana Das, and Manmath Routray addressed the gathering, lambasting the government’s unfulfilled promises and economic mismanagement.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of MP Subashish Khuntia and Begunia MLA Pradeep Sahu. The proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by local Corporator Bharat Lenka, wrapping up a day of spirited grassroots mobilisation in the capital.
