The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the Odisha state government for its claims of significant industrial development, stating that the reality contradicts these assertions. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed contentment after an investors’ meet in Hyderabad, where proposals worth Rs 66,781 crore were received, potentially creating jobs for 56,430 individuals. However, the BJD accused the government of misrepresentation, citing instances where major projects had been relocated to other states.
The BJD spokesperson highlighted that despite the government’s emphasis on industrialization, key projects like the JSW Group’s EV battery project and the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel project had been moved out of Odisha. The party alleged a decline in Central assistance by 18.19%, a decrease in GSDP growth rate from 9.6% to 7.2%, and a drop in industrial growth rate from 8.7% to 6.1%. Moreover, the unemployment rate in the state rose to 3.9%, while promises of development were deemed misleading.
The BJD further accused the ruling party of dismantling the pro-investment environment established by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. They criticized the failure to implement investment proposals worth Rs 16 lakh crore received during the previous administration. Additionally, the BJD warned against any exploitation of Odisha’s mineral resources in the guise of industrialization, pledging strong opposition to such actions.
