Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday lambasted the Mohan Majhi government for continued neglect in undertaking essential expenditure for welfare and development of the people of Odisha.
“I am sad to say that no expenditure is being made by the state government for the people of Odisha and for their development. Time and again, the BJD has drawn the attention of the government to this matter. There must be some meaningful expenditure for the welfare and progress of our people. Yet, they seem completely neglectful about it,” Naveen told reporters.
The LoP emphasised that the impact of this inaction is widespread. “Everyone is suffering. This situation is not limited to any particular group–it affects all sections of society,” he noted.
“It’s like they are playing on empty vessels. And as we all know, empty vessels make the loudest noise. Unfortunately, that seems to be what satisfies them. I am very sorry to report these facts,” he added, drawing an analogy.
In a post on X, Naveen had earlier noted that the supplementary budget of Rs 17,440 crore placed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the Assembly would push the state towards a fiscal deficit situation. “The BJP government’s Supplementary Budget presented in the Assembly is dashing the hopes of people. There is no sign of any major infrastructure project or a new vision. This is pushing us towards fiscal austerity. Administrative expenses are being curtailed. Odisha’s debt burden is increasing.”
He further stated that the budget had nothing except provision of Rs 900 crore for the Works department and some initiatives for the urban areas of the state.
Stating that the budget does not inspire hopes of a new beginning expected after the completion of 17 months of the government, he hinted at an attempt to conceal the declining central grants and revenue shortfalls. “The supplementary budget is not in the interest of the people of the state. It is meant to mislead the people,” he added.
