Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today announced the launch of a month-long public outreach program (Jan Sampark Padayatra) aimed at establishing direct contact with the people of Odisha and highlighting the shortcomings of the BJP-led state government over the past 15 months.
BJD Senior Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra is set to play a leading role in spearheading the campaign. The Padayatra will officially commence on October 9 (Gopabandhu Jayanti) and continue for one month, concluding on November 9.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at Sankha Bhawan, where BJD leaders strongly criticised the BJP government’s performance.
Speaking at the event, Mishra noted that the Padayatra will begin on Gandhi Jayanti with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by a pledge to actively engage with the public throughout the campaign period.
“The Padayatra aims to bring to light the misgovernance and failures of the BJP government, which have adversely affected the people of Odisha,” Mishra stated.
BJD Vice President Pramila Mallik condemned the BJP for coming to power on false promises and subsequently disappointing the people. She pointed out that law and order have deteriorated under BJP rule, leading to increased insecurity among women.
Mallik further recalled the positive impact of welfare schemes such as the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) during Naveen Patnaik’s tenure, contrasting it with the current BJP administration, under which access to quality healthcare has become challenging.
She also criticised the BJP government’s liquor policy, accusing it of promoting 70 new liquor factories despite earlier promises of prohibition. Additionally, she highlighted ongoing farmers’ protests over fertiliser shortages and the curtailment of powers of elected panchayat representatives, which threatens the foundation of grassroots democracy.
In response to these issues, the BJD has resolved to use the Jan Sampark Padayatra as a platform to expose the failures of the BJP government and reconnect with the electorate.
