Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has strongly criticized the Centre for neglecting Odisha’s legitimate demands in the Union Budget 2025.
Patnaik expressed his disappointment, stating that the budget failed to address the pressing issues of unemployment and unchecked price rise, which are severely affecting the youth and common people of the country.
Patnaik also highlighted Odisha’s long-standing demand for special category status, citing the state’s vulnerability to numerous natural calamities every year. He pointed out that while other states have received special provisions in the budget, Odisha’s genuine demand has been consistently overlooked by the Central Government.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has been vocal about Odisha’s demand for special category status, with party MP Sasmit Patra emphasizing that this has been a long-standing demand since 2014.
