The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided to launch a massive state-wide agitation against the ruling BJP government in Odisha. The regional party has accused the ‘double-engine’ government of betraying the mandate of the people and failing to deliver on key electoral promises.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC)—the BJD’s highest decision-making body—chaired by party president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday.
The high-level BJD meeting was attended by Patnaik’s political advisor Santrapta Mishra, senior vice president Debi Prasad Mishra, members Niranjan Pujari, Pramila Mallick, Sudam Marandi, Tukuni Sahu, Bikram Keshari Arukh, Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, Pranab Prakash Das and Sasmit Patra.
“The PAC discussed in detail issues such as betrayal of farmers, law and order situation, attacks on people from the minority community, unemployment and job scams and the Mahanadi water dispute. It was resolved that Odisha’s ‘double-engine’ government has deceived farmers, who constitute 70 per cent of the state’s population,” Das Burma told reporters after the meeting.
Das said BJD’s state-wide campaign against the government will focus on highlighting how the BJP ‘failed’ to fulfil its 21 promises made to the people before the elections.
“The BJD will create awareness on how the ‘double-engine’ government deceived the people of Odisha after taking their votes. Agitations will be held in each panchayat, urban wards, districts and assembly segments,” Das Burma said.
While the decision to protest is final, the specific date for the launch of the agitation is expected to be announced soon, he added.
