BJD to Corner Odisha Government on Key Issues in Monsoon Assembly Session: Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar, Sep 17: The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced plans to corner the BJP-led Odisha government on multiple issues during the monsoon session of the Odisha Assembly, beginning tomorrow.

Leader of Opposition and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik chaired a legislative party meeting today to finalize the party’s strategy for the session.

Patnaik said the BJD would take a firm stand on issues including women’s safety, supply of essentials, strengthening the powers of Panchayat officers, and safeguarding Odia identity.

Addressing party legislators, he noted that although the upcoming Assembly session is brief, it holds special political significance. He alleged that over the past three and a half months, the government’s inefficiency and negligence have been evident in several areas, including women’s safety, supply of essentials, and protection of farmers’ and state interests.

Patnaik claimed the legal system has become dysfunctional, incidents of atrocities against women are rising daily, and no one in the state feels safe. He also highlighted artificial shortages of fertilizers that have created difficulties for farmers.

On the Panchayat raj system, Patnaik accused the state government of undermining democratic values for political gains. He criticized the government’s decisions to increase officers’ financial powers while marginalizing elected Panchayat representatives and vowed strong opposition.

The Leader of Opposition also warned that the state government would be held accountable for incidents of vandalism and disruption during the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, a symbol of Odia identity. He accused the government of failing in all areas except spreading false propaganda.

Patnaik reaffirmed that the BJD, as the principal Opposition in the state, would take a firm stand in the Assembly to protect farmers, women, the Panchayat system, and Odia identity.