Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik accuses BJP of winning power through ‘lies’
BJP counters with allegations of ‘corruption’ and ‘nepotism’
By Sukant Mohanty
Bhubaneswar, Oct. 2: Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik launched a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, accusing the saffron party of misleading voters to win power in the state.
Speaking at the launch of the BJD’s Padayatra in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik claimed the BJP’s rise in Odisha was built on false promises made during their election campaign.
Addressing a crowd of party workers, Patnaik highlighted the importance of the Padayatra, describing it as a powerful initiative that has transformed the BJD into a social movement.
“The BJD stands with the people,” he said, adding that service and self-respect are the party’s guiding principles, while development remains its identity. Patnaik also reflected on the achievements of his government over the past 24 years, including significant improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and overall economic stability.
Under his administration, Patnaik claimed, Odisha had seen a dramatic reduction in poverty, dropping from 70 per cent in 2000 to just 10 per cent today. He also emphasized the state’s rising per capita income, arguing that Odisha has outpaced several other states where the BJP holds both state and central power, commonly referred to as “double engine” governance.
Patnaik accused the BJP-led government of renaming several key welfare programs initiated under his tenure, such as the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), while failing to deliver on major promises. “You can change names and colors, but you cannot change history,” he said. Patnaik questioned the status of BJP’s campaign promises, asking, “Are you getting 300 units of free electricity? Have women received Rs 50,000 as promised under the Subhadra Yojana?”
Patnaik further criticised the BJP for its inability to control rising prices and ensure women’s safety, even in police stations. “They may win elections with lies, but they cannot win the hearts of the people,” he observed.
Responding to Patnaik’s allegations, Odisha BJP vice-president Biranchi Tripathy hit back, accusing the BJD of corruption and nepotism during its rule.
“Naveen Patnaik is yet to come to terms with BJP’s victory,” Tripathy stated, arguing that the BJP’s win was a result of the people rejecting BJD’s ‘misgovernance.’
Tripathy pointed to the success of BJP-led welfare schemes, noting that over 25 lakh women had already benefited from the Subhadra Yojana, and that the Gopabandhu Swasthya Surakshya Yojana would soon provide healthcare benefits to nearly one crore families. He reassured that the BJP remains committed to fulfilling its promises, having already implemented several welfare programs within its first 100 days in office.
“People gave Naveen Babu 24 years, but they now trust the BJP to deliver,” Tripathy concluded.
