Bhubaneswar: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday organised a large-scale farmers’ demonstration at Lower PMG here, accusing the BJP-led state government of pursuing anti-farmer policies and failing to maintain law and order.
Thousands of party workers and leaders assembled at Master Canteen Square before marching in a rally to Lower PMG, where a public meeting was held.
Addressing the gathering, BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik launched a sharp attack on the state government, alleging widespread irregularities in mandis and administrative inaction on farmers’ grievances.
Patnaik claimed that while the government raises slogans in support of farmers, its actions tell a different story. “A government cannot function on speeches and narratives alone; it must deliver on the ground,” he said, alleging that key electoral promises remain unfulfilled even as the administration nears two years in office.
Highlighting initiatives undertaken during the previous BJD regime, he referred to the introduction of a separate agriculture budget and the implementation of the KALIA scheme, which provided financial assistance to farmers. He also cited measures such as expanded irrigation coverage and institutional credit support.
The former chief minister alleged that farmers are facing acute shortages of fertilisers and irregularities in paddy procurement. He claimed that illegal practices such as “katni-chhatni” — unauthorised deductions in paddy weight — are on the rise and that payments to farmers are being delayed.
Patnaik said he had written to the government urging corrective steps and proposed measures including the formation of a special squad to curb “katni-chhatni”, dismantling the alleged nexus between millers and officials, removal of the 150-quintal ceiling on input subsidy, ensuring direct benefit transfer (DBT) payments within 48 hours, and procurement of paddy lying in open fields within 72 hours.
“It is unfortunate that despite repeated appeals, no concrete action has been taken. Crores are being spent on publicity, but farmers continue to suffer,” he alleged, adding that the BJD has been raising farmers’ issues in the Assembly for the past several days.
The BJD chief also flagged concerns over the state’s law-and-order situation, alleging that women feel unsafe, youth are struggling with unemployment, and repeated examination paper leaks reflect administrative failure.
Asserting that people expect governance and not rhetoric, Patnaik said the BJD would continue its agitation until farmers’ concerns are addressed.
