Bhubaneswar: Odisha Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday accused the BJP-led state government of taking undue credit for the achievements of the previous BJD administration. His remarks came in response to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati’s address on the first day of the budget session of the Odisha Assembly.
“In the Governor’s address today, the BJP government is attempting to claim credit for many accomplishments of my government. Instead of doing so, they should focus on addressing critical issues like the deteriorating law and order situation, rising prices, and unemployment,” stated Patnaik, addressing the media.
Supporting Patnaik’s stance, BJD leader Goutam Buddha Das criticized the Governor, claiming that he is new to Odisha and lacks an understanding of the state’s ground realities. Das alleged that the Governor merely read out a script prepared by the state government without independent insight.
However, Industry Minister Sampad Chandra Swain countered Patnaik’s allegations, urging the former Chief Minister to reflect on his statements. Swain highlighted the BJP government’s initiatives, such as the Subhadra Yojana for women, increasing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers to ₹3,100, and fulfilling election promises. He also emphasized the improved law and order situation under the current administration.
Swain further pointed to the success of the recent Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, where investment intents worth ₹16.78 lakh crore were received, and MoUs worth ₹13 lakh crore were signed. “These initiatives will generate massive employment opportunities in the state,” he said, contrasting it with the investment outcomes during Patnaik’s tenure.
The budget session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly began on Thursday with Governor Kambhampati’s address, where he outlined the state government’s achievements over the past eight months. He highlighted the government’s efforts to empower the poor, youth, farmers, and women through landmark decisions.
The session, scheduled to continue till April 5 in two phases, will have 28 working days. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the state budget on February 17.
