BJD Leader Vows Statewide Protests Against Inflation

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday lashed out at the BJP-led government for failing to control the rising prices of essential commodities. Addressing a massive rally of BJD workers at Lower PMG Square, Patnaik accused the BJP of being indifferent to the struggles of the common people.

“Prices are skyrocketing, yet there is no action from the government. It has been seven months of speeches but zero work,” said Patnaik, referring to the BJP government formed in June last year. He criticized the government for its inability to stabilize the prices of groceries, medicines, edible oils, and other household essentials, which he said are making life unbearable for the people.

He also highlighted the plight of farmers, noting that unseasonal rains have caused crop failures, leading to farmer suicides. He condemned what he called the BJP’s “self-promotion” while citizens, including mothers and farmers, suffer daily.

Patnaik accused the BJP of securing power through false promises, labeling their governance as a “Mahanga Sarkar” (costly government) with no substantial action. He noted that while the BJP secured fewer votes than the BJD, it misled people with rosy election campaigns.

The BJD supremo vowed to intensify protests across Odisha, rallying the support of the state’s 4.5 crore citizens to expose what he called the BJP’s real face. He thanked party workers for their participation in the demonstration and announced plans for similar protests in the coming weeks.

Senior BJD leaders and MLAs echoed Patnaik’s sentiments, emphasizing the party’s commitment to standing up for the common people against inflation. The rally concluded with calls for immediate government action to control prices and provide relief to citizens.