The Opposition Biju Janata Dal has escalated its criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party, doubting its dedication to fulfilling a decade-old promise of securing special category status for Odisha. BJD MP Sasmit Patra, addressing a press conference, highlighted the BJP’s failure to act on its 2014 manifesto pledge to pursue the status for the state’s progress. Patra emphasized that despite being in power for two years, the BJP has made no progress on this front.
Recent disclosures in Parliament revealed that the Union government has not put forth any proposal for consideration, further undermining the credibility of the BJP’s governance claims. Patra raised concerns over the BJP’s inaction, pointing out the disconnect between their promises and actions regarding Odisha’s special category status. He urged the BJP government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, to formally request Special Category status through a Cabinet resolution on behalf of the state’s populace.
Highlighting the significance of the demand beyond political motives, Patra stressed that securing special status is crucial for addressing Odisha’s longstanding developmental and economic challenges. He reiterated the urgent need for both political and administrative interventions to tackle the state’s structural economic issues. Patra also pointed out that Odisha’s case for Special Category status is supported by various socio-economic indicators, including poverty rates and vulnerability to natural disasters.
