Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday sharpened its attack on the state government, asserting that it will strongly raise issues of law and order, farmers’ distress, and widespread irregularities in recruitment during the Winter Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
The BJD Legislature Party, which met under the chairmanship of Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, reviewed the prevailing political situation and identified key concerns that it said are affecting people across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concern over what he described as the “complete collapse of law and order in Odisha.” He said women in the state were increasingly feeling unsafe and cited recent incidents reported from Kendujhar Sadar, Khordha, Baghamari, and SCB Medical College in Cuttack. “These incidents expose the utter failure of the government. When will the government wake up from its slumber?” he asked.
Patnaik also warned of growing communal tension, noting that Odisha has historically been known for peace and harmony. “But in the last 18 months, the situation has deteriorated. The communal clashes during Durga Puja in Cuttack have brought shame to our state,” he said.
On the hardships faced by farmers and Mission Shakti groups, the Leader of Opposition alleged that the government has failed to ensure timely supply of fertilizers or extend loan support to women’s self-help groups. “The BJP government in Odisha has become anti-farmer, anti-women, and anti-youth,” he said.
Patnaik further slammed the government over what he called a series of employment scams and flawed recruitment examinations. “Not a single recruitment exam has been conducted without scam or controversy. The youth are disappointed, disillusioned, and losing faith,” he said, adding that the government must be held accountable for these failures during the Assembly session.
Several senior BJD leaders also shared their concerns. Deputy Leader of Opposition Prasanna Acharya highlighted serious irregularities in paddy procurement across western Odisha, warning that the situation is causing severe hardship to farmers.
Kendrapara MLA Ganeswar Behera raised the issue of ration cards being unfairly cancelled for many poor families, while Chief Whip Pramila Mallik briefed legislators on the opposition’s strategy for the session and informed them about the President’s address scheduled for tomorrow.
The BJD signalled that it is prepared for an aggressive and issue-based confrontation with the treasury benches, insisting that the government must answer for what it called widespread administrative failures.
