Congress slams BJP govt in Odisha, alleges betrayal of poll promises and state neglect

Bhubaneswar, June 16: The Congress party on Monday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government in Odisha, accusing it of failing to deliver on key election promises and alleging that the so-called "double engine" governance model has led to widespread corruption and neglect of public welfare.

Join Us on WhatsApp for Breaking News in English

As the BJP government marked one year in power in the state on June 12, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das criticized the ruling party for what he described as misplaced celebrations amid public suffering.

"The people of Odisha are facing multiple challenges — from unemployment and poor healthcare to rising corruption. At a time when the public needs support, both the state and central governments are busy celebrating," Das said at a press conference held at the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhawan, in Delhi.

 He highlighted a series of unfulfilled promises made by the BJP before the elections, such as a pledge of zero tolerance towards corruption, which he claimed has not been upheld.

"A chief engineer was found in possession of disproportionate assets worth crores. An Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer was caught by the CBI. Cash worth lakhs was recovered from an IAS officer. Where is this money coming from?" he questioned.

Das also criticized the implementation of the Subhadra scheme, which was supposed to provide ₹50,000 to women over two years. "In reality, the government is giving only ₹5,000 in two installments. This is a betrayal of the promise made to women," he alleged.

The Congress also listed a number of pressing issues affecting farmers and public health in Odisha, accusing the BJP government of neglect and mismanagement:

The BJP had promised farmers that there would be no deductions during paddy procurement, but in reality, 10 to 15 kg per quintal has been deducted. According to Congress, this reflects corruption amounting to over ₹2,000 crore, effectively robbing farmers.

Sharecroppers are being forced to sell their paddy at low prices, and in Raigarh district, 344 farmers have not received payments for months, amounting to crores of rupees in dues.

Paddy is rotting in markets (mandis) due to a lack of storage facilities, leaving farmers helpless, the party said.

In several districts, contaminated water is causing widespread illness, with at least 11 reported deaths linked to waterborne diseases, Das said.

Ram Chandra Kadam, Congress Legislature Party leader in Odisha, echoed these concerns and further criticized the BJP’s handling of tribal rights.

"The BJP promised to implement the PESA Act but has instead demolished tribal homes. Water, forest, and land rights are being systematically taken away in tribal areas."

He also highlighted unfulfilled commitments to frontline and women workers-ASHA workers were promised permanent status, Anganwadi workers were to receive ₹12,000 and girl students were promised electric scooters — none of which has materialized, he said.

Ajay Kumar Lallu, AICC in-charge of Odisha, concluded by accusing the BJP's "double engine" government of misleading the people.

"This government is all talk and no action. It has distorted Odisha’s identity and looted its resources."

The Congress questioned the rationale behind the BJP’s celebratory campaign running from June 12 to 20, arguing that the government has failed to deliver meaningful governance to the people of Odisha.