Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik addressed a massive gathering of over 10,000 workers during the party’s Jan Sampark Padayatra in the North Bhubaneswar constituency on Friday, October 9.
Organized on the birth anniversary of legendary social reformer Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, the event saw BJD leadership launch a fierce critique against the ruling state administration.
”BJD Transformed Odisha Into a Model State”
Addressing the rally, Naveen Patnaik highlighted his party’s core philosophy centered on public service, welfare, and inclusive development.
”BJD believes in service and development. During our 24 years of governance, rapid progress transformed Odisha into a model state across the nation,” Patnaik stated. “However, the incompetent ‘double-engine’ government has, in just two and a half years, completely tarnished the state’s image.”
He called upon party workers and grassroot cadre to conduct door-to-door visits throughout the ongoing campaign to educate citizens about the government’s operational failures and anti-people policies.
Floral Tributes and Senior Leadership Presence
The program commenced with Naveen Patnaik paying floral tributes to the portraits of Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das and legendary leader Biju Patnaik (Biju Babu).
Several senior BJD leaders addressed the gathering, echoing concerns over administrative inefficiency:
- Former Minister Ashok Chandra Panda
- MLA Sushant Rout
- MLA Ananta Narayan Jena
- Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das
- Senior Leader Manmath Routray
Local municipal corporators and key grassroots organizers were present as the party leadership criticized the current administration’s governance record.
Month-Long Statewide Outreach
The BJD’s annual Jan Sampark Padayatra, which kicked off on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), is scheduled to run through November 2 across all Panchayats, blocks, and urban local bodies in Odisha.
Party representatives aim to use the month-long public outreach campaign to re-engage grassroots voters, highlight regional grievances, and build momentum leading up to upcoming civic and rural body elections.
