Bhubaneswar: In a scathing attack on the State Administration, former Chief Minister and BJD President Shri Naveen Patnaik addressed a massive gathering of farmers on Mahatma Gandhi Road, accusing the Odisha Government of betraying the agricultural community. During the rally, Shri Patnaik took a sharp swipe at the governing party’s slogans, stating that while they shout “Jai Kisan” in public, their actual policy toward the cultivators has become “Bhago Kisan”.
Addressing the sea of angry farmers, BJD Supremo emphasized that a state cannot be governed through stories and empty rhetoric. He noted that as the current government approaches its two-year mark, it has failed both in decision-making and implementation. He contrasted this with the previous BJD administration’s record, highlighting the introduction of a special budget for farmers, the Kalia Yojana, and streamlined systems for irrigation and credit.
The former Chief Minister raised serious concerns regarding the current crisis in paddy procurement and fertilizer distribution. He accused the double engine government of ignoring the plight of farmers whose crops are being depleted by systemic delays and middleman interference.
Shri Patnaik pointed out that despite his formal correspondence proposing a special squad to stop crop rotation and the removal of the 150-quintal ceiling on input subsidies, the government has remained silent for over 15 days.
The BJD Boss specifically targeted the lack of transparency in payments, demanding that funds reach farmers within 48 hours via Direct Benefit Transfer. He questioned why hundreds of crores are being funneled into government self-promotion while paddy lies rotting in the open. Patnaik further slammed the broader state of governance, citing rampant paper leaks in recruitment exams and a deteriorating law and order situation where neither youth nor women feel secure.
The atmosphere at M G Road remained charged as Shri Patnaik warned that the Biju Janata Dal would continue its crusade in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and on the streets. He concluded by stating that if the government does not wake from its Kumbhkarna-like slumber and address these grievances immediately, the BJD will ensure the administration loses its sleep. The message from the fields was clear: the people demand service and results, not the broken promises of a campaigning government.