TNI Bureau: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will raise several key issues in the Odisha Assembly, including farmers’ distress, law and order, the Mahanadi water dispute, connectivity gaps and rising unemployment, Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra said.

Speaking after an all-party meeting held on the directions of party president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, Sasmit Patra said two major issues were discussed. The first relates to the alleged neglect of farmers in the state, including delays in opening mandis, irregularities in paddy procurement, illegal deductions of 8 to 10 kg per quintal, denial of MSP benefits, shortage of fertilisers, and poor implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

The second issue is the deteriorating law and order situation, with rising cases of crimes against women, minors and Dalits, he said.

He also said that the BJP-led “double engine” government has failed to resolve the Mahanadi and Polavaram issues. He accused the BJP of not fulfilling its promise to grant special category status to Odisha and alleged that there has been no significant improvement in highway, railway or digital connectivity. He further said unemployment is increasing, leaving youth in the state frustrated.

The BJD will raise all these concerns during the ongoing session of the Assembly, he added.