Naveen Patnaik Slams Odisha Govt, Questions Development Claims

Bhubaneswar: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Odisha government, accusing it of failing on key development fronts and relying on “long speeches and glossy advertisements” to project progress.

Speaking to BJD leaders at Sankha Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik questioned the effectiveness of the Mohan Majhi-led government as it completes one year in office. “It is being called a government of the people, but where are the people’s voices?” he asked. “Development doesn’t come from long speeches and glossy advertisements,” he said.

Healthcare Under Fire

Patnaik strongly criticised the deteriorating health infrastructure, stating that despite schemes like Ayushman Bharat, people are struggling to access basic medical care.

“Under our government, 90% of Odisha’s population benefited from Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana. Today, patients are being denied free treatment and medicines,” he said.

He pointed out that 19 out of 30 CDMO (Chief District Medical Officer) posts are vacant, which he claimed was evidence of a collapsing healthcare system.

Concerns Over Women’s Empowerment

Taking aim at the state’s approach to women’s issues, Patnaik said the BJP government had weakened the ‘Mission Shakti’ movement.

“Earlier, 70 lakh women were empowered. Today, many are struggling with banking and official procedures. Women who once travelled to Dubai and Singapore now sit hopeless at home,” he added.

Farmers’ Plight

The BJD supremo also raised the issue of farmer welfare, questioning what happened to the BJP’s promises of eliminating middlemen and ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.

“Farmers are now at the mercy of millers. Even agricultural loans have become hard to access. Under BJD, we achieved record irrigation levels. Today, those projects are stalled,” he alleged.

State Finances and Development

Patnaik highlighted his government’s record in managing the state’s economy.

“In 2000, Odisha had a loan burden of ₹18,000 crore and was running on overdrafts. By 2024, we left a surplus of ₹45,000 crore. Now, the state is again surviving on record borrowings,” he stated.

He noted that poverty in Odisha had reduced significantly during the BJD’s tenure — from 63.83% in 2005-06 to 11.07% in 2023, lifting over 1 crore people above the poverty line. The state also made measurable improvements in IMR (Infant Mortality Rate), MMR (Maternal Mortality Rate), and other key indicators.

Role as Opposition

Reaffirming the BJD’s commitment, Patnaik said the party will play the role of a responsible Opposition, as mandated by the people of Odisha. He urged party leaders and grassroots workers to continue serving the people with the same dedication as before.

Patnaik’s remarks signal a strong political comeback and set the tone for a combative Opposition in the Odisha Assembly.