Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Thursday termed the change of government in the state after the 2024 elections as a “declaration of faith” by the people, rather than just a political shift.

Addressing the Assembly, the Governor emphasized that the people of Odisha chose change after nearly two-and-a-half decades of the previous government, driven by a vision for the future and a desire for transformation in their lives.

However, his remarks drew criticism from opposition leader and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, who accused the ruling BJP of trying to take credit for the achievements of his previous government. Patnaik asserted that the progress seen in Odisha was the result of years of effort under the BJD’s leadership.

The political discourse in the state continues to heat up as both sides stake their claims over governance and development.