TNI Bureau: Leader of the Opposition and President of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Naveen Patnaik, asked party legislators to aggressively raise issues concerning farmers and governance failures during the upcoming Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
Addressing the BJD Legislature Party meeting, Patnaik said the Assembly session must be taken seriously and the party should try its best to hold the Government accountable for its failures on various fronts. He alleged that while the present Government remains busy with slogans and publicity, farmers are forced to spend cold nights in mandis protecting their crops from dew and theft.
Patnaik said BJD has always stood with farmers and accused the Government of maintaining an anti-farmer attitude. He congratulated party leaders and workers for organising rallies and protests across districts, stating that reports from the ground indicate growing anger among farmers.
He also referred to his letter dated February 9 to the Chief Minister, raising concerns over illegal deductions in mandis, the 150-quintal ceiling on input subsidy, delays in payments beyond 48 hours, and distress sale of crops. He said the party will use all parliamentary tools, including questions, walkouts and demonstrations, to ensure the Government responds to these issues.
Highlighting economic concerns, Patnaik said the State’s budget expenditure stood at around 47 per cent till December, with some departments spending as little as 15 per cent in the last 10 months of the financial year. He said low expenditure deprives people of their rightful entitlements.
He also expressed concern over the law and order situation, claiming that women and children are not safe. Patnaik further alleged that the Government has failed to resolve the long-pending Mahanadi River dispute and accused it of remaining silent while the Chhattisgarh Government continues its actions.
Calling BJD the prime opposition party, Patnaik urged MLAs to fight strongly in the Budget Session to safeguard the interests of farmers, women, students and protect Odia identity.
