BHUBANESWAR — Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik launched a blistering attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha during a meeting of the BJD Legislature Party ahead of the Assembly session.
"More than two years have passed since the BJP government took over. Does anyone feel the change they claimed? A resounding 'No'," Patnaik said while addressing party legislators, adding that failure has become the primary hallmark of the current administration.
Key Highlights of Patnaik’s Address
MMDR Amendment Act: Patnaik strongly criticized the passage of the MMDR Amendment Act in Parliament, stating it was rushed through without discussion.
He condemned the silence of the state government and BJP’s 20 MPs, alleging the Act strips Odisha of its rights over its land, resources, and youth's future. He confirmed that his demand for an all-party meeting and special Assembly session was ignored by the Chief Minister, but declared BJD would fight until the state's rights are restored. Textbook Printing Blunder: Labeling widespread errors in government school textbooks as "criminal negligence," the BJD supremo demanded the immediate resignation of the concerned minister.
He noted that thousands of uncorrected mistakes threaten students' education and the nation's future. Agrarian Crisis & Rice Procurement: Patnaik hit out at the government's anti-farmer policies, highlighting severe shortages of timely fertilizers and seeds.
He questioned the "double-engine government" dynamic, pointing out that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has failed to lift rice from Odisha. Inflation and UPI Merchant Discount Rates (MDR): Highlighting the burden of price rises on household budgets, Patnaik also raised serious concerns over the introduction of MDR on UPI payments.
He argued it would squeeze thin-margin small traders and ultimately pass added costs onto consumers, demanding strict safeguards and clarity. Voter List Revision: Calling the deletion of genuine voters during the Special Intensive Revision a grave threat, Patnaik urged party leaders to fight the issue "tooth and nail".
BJD to Target Government in Assembly
The former Chief Minister outlined a detailed opposition strategy to expose the "dismal performance" of the BJP government on issues ranging from deteriorating law and order and flood management to fiscal mismanagement and low budget expenditure.
Patnaik resolved that the BJD will not remain a mute spectator and will continue to act as a vocal principal opposition to defend the rights of the state and educate the public.
