Bhubaneswar- Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, on Tuesday launched a sharp critique of the BJP-led state government, questioning its claims of progress and accusing it of failing across key sectors in its first year in power.
Addressing party workers at Sankha Bhavan, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief dismissed the ruling government’s narrative of success, stating, “Development doesn’t come from long speeches or flashy advertisements. Where is the voice of the common man in this so-called people’s government?”
Patnaik took aim at the state’s healthcare system, claiming it has deteriorated significantly under the BJP regime. Drawing a contrast with his own tenure, he pointed out that 90% of Odisha’s population had access to free healthcare under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
“Despite the Ayushman Bharat scheme, people are being denied basic medicines and treatments. Hospitals are not functioning efficiently. Thousands — including mothers, the elderly, and cancer patients — are suffering,” Patnaik alleged. He also flagged a major staffing crisis, stating that 19 out of 30 Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) posts remain vacant, raising serious questions about the state’s health administration.
Patnaik also criticized the weakening of Mission Shakti, a flagship initiative of his government that had empowered 70 lakh women. “Today, many of those women who once traveled confidently abroad for training and empowerment are sitting helpless at home. Their self-confidence is shattered,” he said, alleging that women are facing increased difficulties in accessing support from banks and government offices.
The former Chief Minister also slammed the BJP government’s approach to agriculture, accusing it of turning a blind eye to farmers’ struggles. “Where are the election promises about eliminating middlemen and ensuring minimum support price (MSP) for all crops?” he questioned.
He added that farmers are now forced to rely on private millers, while access to agricultural credit has become tougher. Patnaik said that under BJD rule, Odisha saw record expansion in irrigation, but ongoing projects have now come to a standstill.
Patnaik contrasted the BJP’s current fiscal management with his government’s track record. “When we took charge in 2000, Odisha had a debt burden of Rs18,000 crore and was surviving on overdrafts. By 2024, we left the state with a surplus of Rs45,000 crore,” he claimed.
Highlighting achievements under his leadership, he said Odisha’s poverty rate dropped from 63.83% in 2005-06 to 11.07% in 2023, helping over one crore people rise above the poverty line. He also cited significant improvements in health indicators like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) during his tenure.
Concluding his address, Patnaik reaffirmed the BJD’s commitment to acting as a responsible and constructive opposition. “We respect the people’s mandate. But we will continue to raise our voice on their behalf,” he told party workers, urging them to remain connected with the grassroots and to serve the public with dedication and honesty.
This hard-hitting statement marks one of Naveen Patnaik’s strongest post-election critiques, as the BJD prepares to sharpen its role in Odisha’s evolving political landscape.
