Bhubaneswar: Ahead of its 28th foundation day on December 26, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced a mass demonstration in Bhubaneswar on January 6 to protest against the price hike of essential commodities and other pressing issues.
Party chief Naveen Patnaik urged members to stay committed to serving the people of Odisha while raising their voices against the “anti-people policies” of the BJP government.
In an open letter to party functionaries, Patnaik emphasized the BJD’s dedication to the welfare of Odisha’s people over the past 27 years. He called on party members to highlight the BJP government’s failure to curb inflation, which has severely impacted the poor and middle class.
“The BJD’s 28th foundation day will be observed in all Assembly constituencies, where we will reiterate our commitment to Odisha’s progress. As a responsible opposition, we will raise the people’s concerns in various forums,” Patnaik said.
He extended New Year wishes and reaffirmed the party’s resolve to work for the betterment of all sections of society through the ideology of Biju Patnaik.
Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra announced that over 5,000 party members would participate in the demonstration on January 6, focusing on price hikes and other issues.
Criticizing the BJP’s “double-engine government” slogan, Mishra described it as a “double failure government” at both the state and central levels.
Sanjay Dasburma, convenor of the BJD’s programme implementation committee, outlined the key issues to be raised, including the skyrocketing prices of essential items such as LPG cylinders, petrol, diesel, vegetables, edible oils, and pulses. These increases have placed significant financial strain on families, particularly women.
Snehangini Chhuria, convenor of Biju Mahila Janata Dal, highlighted the difficulties faced by women in managing household expenses amid rising costs. “The government has ignored the plight of families struggling with these expenses,” she said.
Biju Yuva Janata Dal convenor Byomkesh Ray pointed to the unemployment crisis affecting Odisha’s youth and students. He alleged that the government has failed to address joblessness, further exacerbating the hardships caused by inflation.
The BJD leadership signaled that the party would sustain demonstrations in the coming months, including on the contentious Polavaram Dam issue. These efforts aim to amplify the voices of Odisha’s people and address their grievances effectively.
