Naveen Patnaik Slams BJP Government for Governance Failures in Odisha

In a scathing critique of the BJP-led Odisha government, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday accused the ruling dispensation of failing the people of the state on multiple fronts, particularly in health, women's empowerment, and agriculture.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Even as the BJP government was listing out its achievements to mark its first anniversary, the BJD prepared to draw up a list of failures.

Addressing a gathering of party workers, Patnaik reminded them that "in a democracy, the common man is the master," and reaffirmed the BJD's role as a responsible opposition following its transition from power in 2024.

Patnaik launched a sharp attack on the BJP, stating, "Development doesn't come from long speeches and big advertisements."

He lamented the state of healthcare in Odisha, claiming that under the BJD, 90% of the population benefitted from the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, while the current government's implementation of Ayushman Bharat has left many without access to basic treatment and medicines.