Odisha Govt’s Programmes Limited to Speeches, Claims BJD

Bhubaneswar, Nov 19: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Odisha government, alleging that most of its programmes have failed to move beyond “speeches and rhetoric” even after more than 16 months in power.

Reacting to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s address at the District Collectors’ Conference, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty said the BJP government’s promises remain restricted to announcements, with “little to no impact” on the ground.

Mohanty criticised the ruling dispensation for rebranding welfare schemes introduced by the previous BJD government instead of implementing fresh initiatives that benefit citizens. “Changing colours and names of schemes does not help people. Most programmes exist only on paper,” he said.

He highlighted several issues raised by the Chief Minister during the conference, calling them an admission of the government’s shortcomings. Pointing to the CM’s directive to curb illegal sand and minor mineral mining, Mohanty said the problem had escalated sharply under BJP rule.

“The BJD has repeatedly raised concerns about the steep rise in illegal sand and mineral trade. State revenue from minor minerals has fallen drastically—from ₹1,485 crore in 2023–24 to just ₹600 crore in 2024–25,” he noted.

The spokesperson also attacked the government for failing to rein in the illegal liquor trade, citing the recent hooch tragedy in Ganjam district that claimed five lives. He said the CM’s fresh instructions on controlling bootlegging prove that the situation remains unchecked.

Mohanty dismissed the government’s claim that the “Viksit Odisha” initiative attracted investment proposals worth ₹17 lakh crore. He said industrial growth has been sluggish, with several major projects that earlier signed MoUs—such as the JSW EV plant, ArcelorMittal steel plant, and S. Ram & Ram Semiconductor project—shifting to other states.

Accusing the administration of prioritising publicity over development, Mohanty said crores were being spent on self-promotion while key government programmes remain stalled. He urged the government to focus on “real governance and genuine development” instead of announcements.

The state government is yet to respond to the allegations.