Bhubaneswar: In a strong critique of the BJP-led Odisha government, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday held the state administration responsible for the recent deaths of two tribal women in Kandhamal district. The women reportedly died after consuming gruel made from mango kernels due to insufficient food supplies.
Addressing a gathering of the BJD’s student wing at Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik alleged that the current government had halted rice provisions to poor tribal families, leaving them in dire conditions. “The state government has stopped rice supplies for poor tribals, forcing them to resort to mango kernel gruel for survival. Two have died, and others are being treated. This is a heartbreaking outcome,” he stated.
Patnaik further accused the BJP government of undermining the food security efforts established during his own tenure. He highlighted that the previous BJD government had introduced a state-specific food security scheme to supplement the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and ensure sufficient grain supplies for those in need. “During our administration, people received adequate grains. We created a separate food security scheme for those not covered under the NFSA. Now, the current government has dismantled these efforts, pushing people into situations where they must rely on mango kernels for food,” he said.
Patnaik also urged the BJD’s youth and student wings to actively counter what he described as “anti-BJD propaganda” from rival parties on social media platforms.
