BJD Targets BJP Over Anniversary Celebrations, Alleges Failure to Deliver on Promises

BY AKSHAYA KUMAR SAHOO

Bhubaneswar, June 10: The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday launched a broadside against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), questioning its decision to celebrate two years of governance in Odisha and 12 years at the Centre while, according to the regional party, several key promises remain unfulfilled.

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, senior BJD leader and MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain alleged that both the state and central governments had failed to deliver on major welfare and development commitments made to the people.

Swain claimed that beneficiaries were not receiving welfare assistance as promised and accused the BJP of failing to implement its electoral assurance of providing a monthly allowance of Rs 3,500 to eligible beneficiaries. He further alleged that even the Rs 1,000 assistance that was available during the tenure of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was no longer reaching beneficiaries.

The BJD leader also accused the BJP of neglecting farmers' interests. He said the party had promised an input subsidy of Rs 800 but had reduced the assistance during the ongoing Kharif season.

Expanding his attack to the BJP-led government at the Centre, Swain alleged that several major commitments made over the years had not materialised. He cited promises relating to the return of black money stashed abroad, the creation of two crore jobs annually, the development of 100 smart cities, housing for all by 2022, and measures to control inflation.

“The BJP has failed to fulfil its promises. Prices of essential commodities, including LPG, have risen sharply, while the value of the rupee has weakened against the US dollar. The party is engaged more in rhetoric than governance, and the condition of the poor has worsened,” Swain alleged.

The BJP rejected the criticism, asserting that its government would place its performance record before the public.

Responding to the allegations, Odisha BJP president and Rajya Sabha member Manmohan Samal said the party would present details of its achievements during the anniversary celebrations on June 12. He also challenged the BJD to account for its own record during its 24-year rule in Odisha.

“The BJP will present a detailed report card of its achievements. The BJD should also explain its performance during its tenure in power before criticising the present government,” Samal said.

The exchange marks an intensification of political sparring in Odisha ahead of the BJP government's second anniversary in the state, with both parties seeking to shape the public narrative around governance, welfare delivery and development.