Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 (UDN): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Odisha government, accusing it of failing to control rising prices and address the concerns of ordinary citizens.
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Addressing party workers during the BJD’s Jan Sampark Padayatra in Bhubaneswar, the former Chief Minister alleged that farmers, women, senior citizens, economically weaker sections and middle-class families were struggling under the present government.
Patnaik also expressed concern over the prospects of young people, remarking that the future of Generation Z appeared bleak amid the prevailing situation.
Accusing the government of prioritising party interests over the state’s development, he contrasted the BJP’s approach with what he described as the BJD’s focus on Odisha’s progress during its 24-year tenure.
“The Odisha government ranks number one in the entire country when it comes to incompetence,” Patnaik alleged, urging BJD workers to connect with people and highlight their grievances.
The BJD’s Jan Sampark Padayatra began on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, and is scheduled to continue until November 2. Patnaik has joined the outreach programme on multiple occasions to mobilise party workers and engage with the public.
The latest criticism comes amid the BJD’s wider opposition to the BJP government over several issues, including the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026. The regional party has claimed that the legislation could cost Odisha around Rs 1 lakh crore in potential revenue and has demanded its repeal.
BJD leaders have also raised concerns over alleged errors in school textbooks, the reported deletion of more than 27 lakh names from electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and law-and-order issues in the state.
The allegations reflect the continuing political confrontation between the BJD and the ruling BJP, with the opposition seeking to make price rise and governance key issues in its public outreach campaign.
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