Bhubaneswar, February 17: Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday criticised the State Government following the Governor's inaugural address at the Odisha Legislative Assembly marking the commencement of the Budget Session and said that the the Governor's speech was long on words but short on action.

Addressing the media, the former Chief Minister criticised the lack of tangible progress and expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the State.

“The Governor's address was long on words but short on action. The Government could be described as being short on work despite the lengthy speech.

Alleging that the law and order situation under the current administration is in a "dreadful state", Patnaik said, “The reports of violence and lawlessness currently emerging from Odisha are unparalleled anywhere else in India.”

The former five-time Chief Minister said that he has been raising the issue of deteriorating law and order in the State "time and time again."

Notably, the Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly began on Monday with the Governor’s address to the House.

In his address, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati highlighted the achievements of the Mohan Charan Majhi-led Bharatiya Janata Party Government in the State and outlined its future plans to make the State developed.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who holds the Finance portfolio, will present the annual budget for 2026-27 on February 20.

The Budget Session will be held in two phases from February 17 to April 8.