Odisha Congress Accuses BJP of Betraying Odia Asmita and Colluding with BJD as Mohan Govt Marks One Year

Das accused the BJP government of allowing corruption to “engulf from top to bottom,” citing the arrest of an IAS officer for a Rs 10 lakh bribe and the seizure of crores from the Chief Engineer of the Rural Development Department. He also pointed to an Enforcement Directorate Assistant Director caught by the CBI for bribery. “The Mohan government promised a corruption-free Odisha, but it has failed to act against South Indian contractors who looted the state during the BJD regime,” Das said, alleging administrative inertia.

Harichandan echoed these claims, stating that corruption persists at all levels despite the BJP’s assurances to eradicate it. He highlighted the government’s inaction on major scams, such as the chit fund scandal, where depositors are yet to receive refunds promised within 18 months. “The government hasn’t even identified the affected depositors,” he said.

The Congress criticised the BJP for scaling down key election promises, particularly the Subhadra Yojana, which promised Rs 50,000 vouchers for women over two years but was reduced to Rs 5,000 annually over five years. Harichandan called it a “lollipop,” accusing the government of deceiving women voters. Other unfulfilled promises include establishing Odia Bhawans in metro cities, introducing Odia-medium education in professional courses, and reopening the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple for inventory.

Das also accused the government of failing to address unemployment, noting that 3,000 students applied for Home Guard jobs in Bolangir, reflecting a broader unemployment crisis fueling labour migration. The promise to create 51,000 jobs through integrated handloom parks in Western Odisha has seen no progress, he added.

The PCC raised concerns about rising crime, with Odisha ranking eighth nationally and a 3.8% increase in per capita crime rate. Crimes against women, including 1,600 cases and 54 gang rapes in eight months, were highlighted as evidence of deteriorating law and order. Das also pointed to environmental issues in Angul-Talcher and Sambalpur and a diarrhoea outbreak in Jajpur, announcing a fact-finding committee to investigate the latter.

In a sharp critique, Das labeled the BJD and BJP as “two sides of the same coin,” accusing the BJD of covertly supporting the BJP, particularly on the Waqf Amendment Bill and remaining silent on issues like the Poonch massacre and Operation Sindoor, which Congress called a publicity stunt. “The BJD’s tepid opposition shows they are allies in disguise,” Das said.

To expose the BJP’s “deceitful and corrupt nature,” senior Congress leaders, including Ramachandra Kadam (Bolangir), Niranjan Patnaik (Khurda), and Taraprasad Bahinipati (Balasore), will hold press conferences across Odisha. The charge sheet, presented by Harichandan, serves as a formal indictment, detailing corruption, unfulfilled promises, and governance lapses.

Harichandan extended the criticism to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of deceiving the nation with complex schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which he claimed leaves the poor without treatment. Promises of Rs 3,000 monthly old-age pensions and Rs 3,500 for those above 80 remain unfulfilled, he added.

As the Mohan government celebrates its first year with high-profile advertisements, the Congress’s allegations paint a contrasting picture of broken promises and systemic failures.

With a statewide campaign and a detailed charge sheet, the PCC aims to revive its political relevance in Odisha, capitalizing on public discontent and the BJD’s perceived alignment with the BJP.

Whether these accusations will resonate with voters remains to be seen, as the BJP defends its record with visible, albeit limited, achievements.