Bhubaneswar: The Union Budget 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has sparked strong criticism from Odisha’s opposition parties, with both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress terming it “disappointing” and “anti-Odisha.”
Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP of failing to fulfil its manifesto promise of granting special category status to Odisha. He pointed out that while special packages and funds were announced for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar Odisha’s demands were overlooked. Patnaik also raised concerns about the allocation of additional funds for the Polavaram project, stating that it shows impartiality against Odisha’s interests.
The Polavaram irrigation project emerged as a major point of contention. Finance Minister Sitharaman’s commitment to financing and completing the project drew sharp criticism from Odisha’s opposition, who view it as detrimental to the state’s interests.
In protest, all BJD MPs walked out of the Rajya Sabha during the budget presentation. Dr Sasmit Patra, BJD National Spokesperson, stated, “We term the Budget completely anti-Odisha and there is nothing for Odisha in this Budget.” He suggested that the neglect might be a “punishment” for Odisha electing 20 BJP MPs out of 21 in the last election.
BJD leader Prasanna Acharya called the decision “partisan,” suggesting that the Union government was prioritizing its political allies over Odisha’s concerns. He reminded that the state government and BJD members had repeatedly raised concerns about the project in the past.
Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka expressed disappointment, highlighting the budget’s perceived lack of focus on unemployment, inflation control, and fiscal deficit. He noted that Odisha had been “taken for granted,” with only assistance in the tourism sector announced for the state.
Congress leader Sofia Firdous alleged that the Polavaram project would lead to the submergence of several villages in Odisha and displace thousands of people, accusing the BJP government of betraying the state’s residents.
Former OPCC President Niranjan Patnaik echoed these sentiments, questioning how Odisha’s future would be shaped without proper allocations, despite the state’s support for the BJP in previous elections.
In defence of the budget, Union Minister Jual Oram described it as “pro-people,” emphasizing its focus on women, youth, and farmers. He highlighted the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, aimed at improving socio-economic conditions for tribal communities across 63,000 villages.
Finance Minister Sitharaman mentioned Odisha twice in her speech, promising assistance for tourism development and including the state in the ‘Purvodaya’ plan for the all-round development of the eastern region. However, these mentions did little to assuage the concerns of the opposition.
Also Read: Union Budget 2024 Spotlights Odisha’s Tourism Potential Under ‘Purvodaya’ Scheme
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