Bhubaneswar: On the 28th Foundation Day of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), party chief Naveen Patnaik called on workers to actively counter the “false narratives” propagated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), holding the disinformation campaign responsible for BJD’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Addressing party members at the celebration, Patnaik said, “Our failure to counter the BJP’s negative campaigns on social media led to our loss. The people now see through their lies, and I urge all BJD workers to expose these falsehoods through active engagement on social platforms.”
Despite the electoral setback, Patnaik pointed out that the BJP secured fewer votes than the BJD, emphasizing the trust Odisha’s people still place in his party.
Patnaik dismissed speculations about the party’s decline, drawing parallels to skepticism faced during the party’s inception in 1997.
“Some said BJD had no future then, and they say the same now. But BJD is the party of Odisha’s people, deeply rooted in their emotions,” he stated.
He highlighted the BJD’s contributions over its 24-year tenure, including transforming Odisha into a model state in disaster management, achieving financial self-sufficiency, and gaining international recognition as a sports hub.
“From an overdraft-dependent state in 2000, Odisha is now budget surplus. We are fighting for Odisha’s rights and will continue to do so for the next century,” Patnaik asserted.
Patnaik criticized the BJP government for its failure to curb the rising costs of essential goods, which he claimed has burdened Odisha’s families and farmers.
“Dal, rice, vegetables, and oil prices have skyrocketed. Farmers are in despair over the flawed paddy procurement process. Women under Mission Shakti feel neglected. When will the BJP wake up?” he questioned.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan countered Patnaik’s remarks, defending the BJP’s performance in Odisha. Pradhan highlighted the BJP government’s efforts, including providing Rs 3,100 per quintal paddy to farmers and financial aid to women under the Subhadra scheme. He dismissed Patnaik’s criticism as “laughable,” asserting that the BJP is delivering on its promises.
As the political rivalry between BJD and BJP intensifies, Patnaik’s rallying cry underscores the challenges of regaining ground in Odisha’s political landscape.
