BJD, BJP Clash Over Ayushman Bharat Launch in Odisha

Political tensions flared in Odisha on Thursday after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda launched the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the state, triggering a sharp exchange of words between the ruling BJP and opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Soon after the launch, the BJP accused the previous government’s health insurance schemes of being riddled with irregularities, calling them a “scam.” Party leaders also claimed that the central scheme would bring genuine benefits to the people of Odisha, unlike its predecessors.

In response, the BJD alleged that the state government had simply rebranded its existing Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) under the guise of Ayushman Bharat. Party representatives argued that the BSKY had long been operational and beneficial, and accused the BJP of politicizing healthcare for electoral gains.

The clash marks another round of political sparring ahead of the upcoming elections, as both parties seek to position themselves as champions of public welfare. With health insurance emerging as a key issue, the debate is likely to intensify in the days ahead.