Bhubaneswar, Feb 24: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Odisha, accusing it of neglecting farmers despite lofty electoral assurances.

Speaking at the ‘Chasi Surakshya Samavesh’ in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik said the BJP government is nearing two years in power but has neither taken sound decisions nor ensured their effective implementation. He alleged that the party had made sweeping promises to farmers during the elections but has failed to honour them.

Taking a swipe at the ruling party, Patnaik remarked, “Their slogan says ‘Jai Kisan’, but their actions reflect ‘Bhago Kisan’.”

Patnaik claimed that farmers are facing delays in fertiliser supply and disruptions in paddy procurement. He alleged that irregularities, including the continuation of ‘katni chhatni’ practices, persist in procurement processes.

According to him, payments to farmers are often delayed, and their grievances are dismissed as baseless by the authorities.

The BJD chief said he had written to the government outlining farmers’ concerns and urging it to fulfil its poll promises sincerely.

He proposed forming a special squad to curb ‘katni chhatni’, dismantling the alleged nexus between millers and officials, removing the 150-quintal ceiling on input subsidies, ensuring Direct Benefit Transfer payments within 48 hours, and procuring padd y lying in open fields within 72 hours.

Expressing disappointment, he said no action had been taken even 15 days after sending the letter. He further accused the government of spending hundreds of crores on publicity while overlooking farmers’ welfare.

Patnaik added that the BJD has consistently raised farmers’ issues in the Assembly over the past eight days, but alleged that the government remains indifferent.

He asserted that the BJD would continue to champion farmers’ rights and hold the government accountable.

Highlighting initiatives undertaken during the BJD’s tenure, he said his government had introduced a separate agriculture budget, rolled out the KALIA scheme, expanded access to credit, and strengthened irrigation infrastructure.

He questioned the achievements of the present “double engine” government in safeguarding farmers’ interests.