Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik stepped into the political spotlight on Monday as he addressed a massive election rally at Tarabod’s Dhanmandi Ground in Komna block, seeking support for party candidate Snehangini Chhuria in the Nuapada by-election.
With stakes high in this battle of prestige and legacy, five-time chief minister, who usually skipped campaigning during bypolls, launched a blistering attack on the ruling BJP, which he alleged had “stolen votes to form the government and is now stealing candidates.”
The BJD fielded two-time Attabira MLA Churia from the seat after its probable candidate Jay Dholakia joined the BJP within weeks of his father and sitting BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia’s death, which necessitated the bypoll.
“This is a betrayal of the people, of the Biju Janata Dal, and of me personally. The people of Nuapada will give a befitting reply to this betrayal on November 11,” he declared.
Naveen further stated that development across Odisha had come to a standstill since the BJP came to power. “Law and order has collapsed. Atrocities against women are rising. Mission Shakti mothers haven’t received salaries for 8 months. Farmers are protesting over lack of urea, elderly citizens are deprived of pensions, and BSKY benefits have been forgotten,” he said.
The former CM also accused the BJP government of indulging only in self-promotion. “This is a government of slogans, not solutions–hero in propaganda, zero in work. It’s not a ‘Game Changer’ government, it’s a ‘Name Changer’ government– one that paints over problems instead of solving them.”
He also questioned promises by the ruling party to the people of the state. “Where are the 300 units of free power? ₹3,500 pension for elders? Jobs for 100 youth in every panchayat? Where are the fertilizers for our farmers? Where is the end of katni-chhatni?” he asked.
While paying tributes to former MLA Rajendra Dholakia, Naveen also recalled the contributions of his father and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik in creating Nuapada district. He also spoke about rapid development which the district witnessed during the BJD regime. “I approved every proposal that was brought by Raju Babu (late MLA Rajendra Dholakia) for the development of this district,” he said, mentioning Biju Expressway to safe drinking water, irrigation to over 10,000 hectares, and various welfare schemes, including for Sunabeda Sanctuary residents.
Naveen will again hold a roadshow from Khariar Road to Nuapada on November 7.
