The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha has strongly criticized the state government for merging Palasa and Ichchapuram with the proposed Vishakhapatnam division of the South Coast Railway zone. The opposition party claims that despite the BJP government’s promises of “Double Engine, Double Development,” Odisha is being deprived of its rightful benefits. During the Odisha Day celebrations, the BJD leaders pointed out that Palasa and Ichchapuram were shifted from the East Coast Railway zone in Odisha to the South Coast Railway zone in Andhra Pradesh.
At a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, party leaders accused the government of a “Double Betrayal” towards the state. They highlighted that the East Coast Railway, a significant revenue-generating division, is being weakened to favor Andhra Pradesh. The party expressed disappointment in the silence of Odisha’s BJP MPs and leadership regarding this issue.
Party Vice President Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak emphasized that despite promises of development, Odisha’s interests are being compromised. He criticized the decision to include Palasa and Ichchapuram in the South Coast Railway, calling for a complete reversal of this move. The BJD spokesperson, Dr. Lenin Mohanty, demanded the relocation of railway areas in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts to the East Coast Railway for strengthening it further.
