Odisha’s Leader of the Opposition and Biju Janata Dal President, Naveen Patnaik, expressed disappointment with the Union Budget 2026–27, stating that it did not offer significant benefits to Odisha and its residents. Patnaik, a former Chief Minister, criticized the budget for not focusing on infrastructure, job creation, and providing adequate allocations to the state.
Patnaik welcomed the proposal for the establishment of the Rare Earth Corridor in Odisha, along with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He emphasized Odisha’s role as a leading producer of key minerals and its contribution to national development through its resources.
Additionally, Patnaik highlighted the delayed progress on the operationalization of National Waterways-5, connecting mineral-rich areas and industrial centers to ports. He expressed disappointment that Odisha was not included in the announcement of seven High-Speed Rail corridors as ‘growth connectors’ between cities.
The BJD President criticized the Union government for neglecting Odisha in the tourism-centric scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits, despite the state’s significant Buddhist sites. Patnaik called for the BJP-led state government to ensure Odisha receives its rightful share from the Union Budget, emphasizing the need for more support and resources for the state and its people.
