Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP government in Odisha, accusing them of betraying the people of Nuapada and the state. Addressing a massive public rally in the district ahead of the November 11 by-election, Patnaik campaigned for BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria.
Patnaik alleged that the BJP government had halted all development work in the state over the last 16 months and abandoned welfare commitments made to the people. “Is anyone here getting 300 units of free electricity? Are senior citizens receiving Rs 3,500 as a pension? Has any farmer received urea fertilizer?” he asked the crowd, which responded with loud denials.
The BJD leader also targeted the BJP’s rebranding of welfare schemes, saying “there is no work, no progress, only publicity.” He contrasted the state’s Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) with the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat, questioning its effectiveness.
Patnaik urged voters to stand with BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria, saying she is deeply connected to the soil of Nuapada. “Bless her with your votes, and we will take your fight forward on November 11,” he appealed.
