In a powerful address at Sankha Bhawan, Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of the Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, launched a scathing critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha, marking its one-year anniversary in power.
Speaking to party leaders, Patnaik accused the BJP of failing to deliver on its promises, undermining key welfare programs, and neglecting the people’s needs. He reaffirmed BJD’s commitment to serving as a responsible opposition, emphasising the party’s legacy of development and its resolve to champion Odisha’s progress.
Patnaik opened his speech by underscoring the essence of democracy, stating, “In a democracy, the people are the ultimate masters.” Acknowledging the public’s mandate that placed BJD in the opposition, he emphasised that the party is fulfilling its role with responsibility and vigilance. “We are in the opposition because of the people’s choice, and as a responsible opposition, we will hold the government accountable,” he declared.
Patnaik did not mince words as he questioned the BJP’s claim of being a “people’s government.” He argued that the government’s focus on “lengthy speeches and grand advertisements” has failed to translate into tangible development. “Where are the people in this people’s government?” he asked.
One of the sharpest criticisms was reserved for the state’s healthcare system. Patnaik highlighted the success of BJD’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, which provided healthcare benefits to 90% of Odisha’s population. In contrast, he claimed the BJP’s implementation of Ayushman Bharat has left patients without access to medicines or free hospital treatment. “Thousands are suffering—mothers, the elderly, cancer patients, and children. The health system has completely collapsed,” he said, noting that 19 out of 30 districts lack Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs).
Patnaik also addressed the rollback of Mission Shakti, a flagship BJD program that empowered 70 lakh women across Odisha. He accused the BJP of weakening this movement within a year, leaving women harassed in banks and government offices and eroding their self-confidence. “Women who travelled to Dubai and Singapore under our government are now sitting at home, disheartened. This is the BJP’s biggest failure,” he said, warning that Odisha’s women would not forgive the government for this setback.
Turning to agriculture, Patnaik criticised the BJP for failing to deliver on its election promises, such as ending exploitative practices like “katni chhatni” and ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. “Farmers are at the mercy of millers, with no fear of the government. Who will farmers turn to?” he asked. He also pointed out that irrigation projects initiated under the BJD have been stalled, and farmers face difficulties accessing agricultural loans.
Patnaik contrasted BJD’s financial stewardship with the current government’s approach. He noted that when BJD assumed power in 2000, Odisha’s loan burden was Rs 18,000 crore, with the state running on overdraft. By 2024, BJD left a surplus of Rs 45,000 crore in the state treasury. “Now, the government is running on record loans,” he said, accusing the BJP of fiscal irresponsibility.
Patnaik took the opportunity to highlight BJD’s achievements during its 24-year tenure. He cited a significant poverty reduction, from 63.83% in 2005-06 to 11.07% in 2023, lifting 102.78 lakh people above the poverty line. Improvements in development indicators like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) were also emphasised. “These are the results of our commitment to Odisha’s progress,” he said.
Reaffirming BJD’s role as a people-centric opposition, Patnaik urged party leaders and workers to continue serving the public. “BJD stands with the people for their welfare and Odisha’s progress. I expect our leaders here and workers in villages to keep serving the people,” he said. He concluded with a rousing call of “Bande Utkal Janani,” invoking pride in Odisha’s identity.
As Odisha navigates its second year under BJP rule, Patnaik’s address signals that BJD will remain a formidable opposition, keeping the government on its toes while championing the state’s development.
The coming months will reveal how the BJP responds to these criticisms and whether BJD can translate its opposition role into electoral gains.
