Speculation Rife For Early Assembly Polls In Odisha As Govt Prepares For Supplementary Budget

Bhubaneswar: Preparation launched by the Odisha government for supplementary budget, likely to be presented during the upcoming Assembly session, has triggered speculation about the likelihood of early elections in the state.

Speculations are rife in political circles that Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government is likely to go for Assembly elections along with five other states in December this year even though current term ends in May 2024.

According to official sources, senior BJD leaders and top administrative brass have been given hints from the ruling coterie about the possibility of advancing the Assembly polls to December.

Though no concrete statement has been given so far in this regard, the frequent visits of 5T Secretary to different districts and certain announcements by the government including sops for certain sections of the society, have fuelled talks that Naveen may be planning for early elections.

After launching ‘Mo Ghara” housing scheme to provide financial assistance to meet the aspirations of the lower and lower middle-income households of rural Odisha, the state government recently approved ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme with an allocation of Rs 4,000 crore.

Now, the government has started preparation for supplementary budget. Initiating the exercise, Director (budget) S P Rath has asked all departments to send their on both administrative and programme expenditure by July 31.

The state has posted 12.8 per cent growth in revenue receipts over the previous years’ collection till June. The total expenditure (other than debt servicing) till June is 15% of the 2023-24 budget estimate as compared to 12.3% last year.

Advising the departments to expedite the pace of expenditure, especially on capital spending, the government has stressed on internal realignment of budget allocations to give effect to certain policy decisions, like implementation of new schemes and programmes, new centrally sponsored schemes of Centre, other evolving development and welfare priorities of the government.

The recently approved ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme with an allocation of Rs 4,000 crore is likely to be included in the supplementary budget.

The departments have been suggested to assess expenditure related to livelihood and completion of ongoing capital projects in a holistic manner, so that economic activities in the state will get the required boost.

Asked about the possibility of early polls, senior BJD leader and Minister Rajendra Dholakia said the way BJP is giving pace to its activities all over gives enough indications that the Centre is planning to get the elections advanced.

However, BJD is well prepared to face the election and seek people’s mandate whenever it is held.

Senior BJP leader and the saffron party’s state general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said the exercise for supplementary budget at this juncture gives an indication about early polls. BJD seems to be planning for early Assembly elections, and our party is always prepared for polls, he said.

Expressing similar views, Odisha Pradesh Cognress Committee (OPCC) president Sarat Pattanayak said the party is prepared to face the elections if the ruling BJD goes for early Assembly elections in the state.