Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, criticized the current government’s fiscal management, suggesting that there has been no significant progress in development spending despite budget allocations.
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) expressed concerns about the economic decline in Odisha, highlighting issues such as reduced industrial growth, farmer suicides, and rising unemployment, all exacerbated by increasing commodity prices that are affecting the populace.
The LoP criticized the Annual State Budget, stating that the double-engine government is moving in reverse.
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It seems that the double-engine government is going in reverse gear.
A very large sum of money from the last budget has not been spent. Industrial growth is going down, and so are the finances of our state. The prices of essential commodities are affecting everyone in #Odisha.… pic.twitter.com/r1SpcKhe5J
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 17, 2025
Patnaik noted that a substantial amount of money from the previous budget has remained unspent. He pointed out that industrial growth is declining, and the state’s finances are in poor condition. The rise in essential commodity prices is impacting everyone in Odisha. Moreover, the issue of farmer suicides persists, and women are not receiving adequate work under the Mission Shakti program. Unemployment is also on the rise.
He emphasized that announcing a large budget is not as important as actually spending the money to support the development of the state. “This budget must be used for the people of Odisha,” he stated.
The LoP concluded by expressing his intention to monitor how the budget is being spent, urging accountability for the funds allocated.
