In the ongoing budget discussions, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik delivered a strong speech criticizing the BJP government’s new budget for Odisha. He acknowledged the government’s effort in presenting the budget but highlighted several key issues he believes indicate the state is moving in the wrong direction.
Patnaik emphasized that Odisha, previously recognized for its high growth and transformation under the Biju Janata Dal government, is now experiencing declining growth rates and increasing debt under the “Double Engine” BJP government. He noted that the growth rate has dropped from 10% to 8% this year, and the budget, when adjusted for inflation, shows a decrease in real terms.
The opposition leader accused the government of failing to expand the state’s revenue base and pointed out the rising burden of open market loans, which has surpassed ₹46,000 crores. He expressed concern over the growing per capita loan burden and its potential impact on the state’s finances and development projects. Patnaik criticized the BJP government for not delivering on its promise of “double benefits” and accused it of creating “double misery” for the people of Odisha. He observed that the central government’s Grant in Aid has not increased, and the state’s strong fiscal health, inherited from the previous Biju Janata Dal government, is being eroded.
He also took issue with the reduced allocation for the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project and questioned the renaming of the “Skilled in Odisha” initiative to “Skilled for the World,” arguing that it fails to address the lack of job creation within the state. Furthermore, Patnaik highlighted the ongoing protests by Mission Shakti mothers and criticized the government for cutting the allocation for Mission Shakti, despite promises of substantial support for the program. He concluded his speech with a popular Odia saying, “ବସ୍ତାନି ଭାରି କିନ୍ତୁ ପାଠ ଘର ଶୂନ,” implying that the budget is heavy on slogans but lacks substance in addressing the real issues faced by the people of Odisha.
