Congress Slams Odisha Govt for ‘Insensitivity’, Alleges Corruption and Healthcare Failure

Bhubaneswar : Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government, accusing it of being “insensitive” to the concerns of the common people and failing to fulfil its election promises.

Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Das criticised the government for celebrating the completion of its first year in office, alleging that the tenure has been marred by rampant corruption and administrative failure.

“The state is witnessing unchecked corruption. Ministers and officials are deeply involved,” he alleged. Das cited several high-profile cases, including the recent seizure of disproportionate assets worth several crores of rupees from a chief engineer. He also referred to the arrest of an Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer following a CBI investigation, and the apprehension of a young IAS officer caught accepting a bribe of Rs. 10 lakh.

Das further accused the state government of large-scale financial irregularities in the paddy procurement system. “Nearly Rs. 2,000 crore has been embezzled in the ‘dhan mandi’ operations,” he claimed, adding that farmers across the state are suffering during the procurement process.

He also raised serious concerns over the state’s deteriorating healthcare infrastructure, highlighting the recent deaths of 11 people due to diarrhoea in Jajpur district. “Over 400 posts of doctors and nurses are vacant in Jajpur alone. Across the state, 200 to 400 healthcare positions in each district remain unfilled, reflecting a collapsing health system,” he said.

The OPCC chief also targeted the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Odisha, saying the scheme has failed to benefit the public. “Despite aggressive promotion, many hospitals are refusing to admit patients under the scheme,” he alleged.

Das concluded by urging the state government to address these critical issues instead of focusing on celebrations and self-praise.