Bhubaneswar, June 10: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday delivered a scathing critique of the BJP-led Odisha government’s first year in power, accusing it of prioritizing image-building over real governance.
Addressing at BJD headquarters –Sankha Bhawan here, Patnaik said the Majhi government had focused more on “speeches and advertisements” than addressing the needs of the people. “Development doesn’t come from long speeches and glossy ads,” he said, adding that the administration has failed to engage with the voices of the common people.
Highlighting the alleged deterioration of public healthcare, Patnaik said the state’s flagship Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) had weakened significantly.
Patnaik also criticized the government’s approach to Mission Shakti, a prominent women’s empowerment initiative launched during the BJD regime. He claimed that the program, once a source of pride, has lost momentum.
Taking on the government’s track record on agriculture, Patnaik alleged that farmers had been let down
On the fiscal front, Patnaik recalled that Odisha was in debt when the BJD came to power in 2000.
He also pointed to significant poverty reduction under his leadership, noting that poverty in Odisha dropped from 63.83% in 2005–06 to 11.07% in 2023, lifting over one crore people above the poverty line.
Concluding his address, Patnaik reaffirmed the BJD’s role as a “constructive and responsible opposition.” He called on party workers to remain connected with grassroots issues and continue serving the people with integrity and dedication.
