On the occasion of the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) 29th Foundation Day, party president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik delivered a rousing address at Shankha Bhavan, emphasising the party’s deep-rooted connection with the people of Odisha and dismissing rumours of its decline.
The event was marked by enthusiastic participation from leaders and workers across the state.
In his speech, Patnaik acknowledged the ups and downs of democracy, stating, “In democracy, there are wins and losses.” He lambasted certain individuals and parties for spreading misinformation about the BJD, including baseless rumours that the party would disintegrate.
“I want to make it clear that Biju Janata Dal is not about one or two leaders – it is a people’s movement, deeply connected to Odia aspirations and pride,” he asserted. Patnaik confidently declared that the BJD has endured and will continue to represent the voice of Odisha’s residents for the next hundred years.
Describing the BJD as one of India’s most successful regional parties, Patnaik reflected on its journey since its founding in 1997. “From 1997, we have been serving the people of Odisha guided by Biju Babu’s ideals,” he said. He highlighted the period from 2000 to 2024 under BJD governance as a “golden era” in Odisha’s development history. Key achievements included combating poverty, starvation, infant mortality, and natural calamities; empowering women; increasing farmers’ incomes; providing free healthcare through schemes like BSKY; strengthening the state’s economy; attracting investments; and creating employment opportunities for the youth. “We have given Odisha a new identity,” Patnaik added.
Turning his attention to the current BJP-led government in Odisha, Patnaik criticised its performance under the “double engine” model. “Odisha now has a double-engine government, but where is the development?” he questioned. He pointed out issues such as farmers not receiving fertilisers, markets remaining closed, harassment of women under the Mission Shakti program, and disillusionment among the youth. Patnaik noted that in the last 18 months, 18 recruitment exam question papers had leaked. He expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, with rising atrocities against women and even minor girls feeling unsafe. “It doesn’t feel like there’s a government in the state,” he remarked.
Patnaik praised the youth as one of the party’s most valuable assets and urged them to be more active on social media to counter misinformation campaigns against the BJD. “Service, struggle, and self-respect are our mantras. Development is our identity,” he said, calling on young members to effectively combat propaganda.
Emphasising the importance of patience in politics, Patnaik expressed unwavering faith in the hard work and commitment of the party’s lakhs of workers, brothers, and sisters. “Together, we will transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities and continue our efforts for an empowered Odisha,” he motivated the gathering.
The event concluded with Patnaik extending his best wishes to all on the foundation day and wishing everyone a Happy New Year. The address underscored the BJD’s resilience and its commitment to Odisha’s progress, signalling a renewed push amid political challenges.
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