Nuapada: Launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha, opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday accused it of neglecting development and welfare schemes during the last 16 months.
As the regional party formally launched its campaign for the by-election to Nuapada Assembly constituency, senior BJD leaders lashed out at the BJP government alleging that its performance has been dismal.
Addressing a meeting, BJD leaders accused the so-called "double engine government" of causing "double destruction" to Nuapada during the last 16 months.
Leaders alleged that the BJP has failed to meet the aspirations of the people, neglecting essential infrastructure, welfare initiatives, and development schemes that directly impact livelihoods in the district.
BJD launched its campaign for the by-election with a visit and prayer ceremony at the revered Banjari Devi Temple. Senior leaders along with party candidate for the bypoll Snehangini Chhuria offered prayers and floral tributes, seeking the blessings of the Goddess for peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nuapada.
The inaugural meeting was presided over by senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra in the presence of several state and district-level leaders.
Speaking at the meeting, Snehangini Chhuria reaffirmed her commitment to the all-round development of Nuapada and said that her journey for the constituency's progress had officially begun.
Stating that BJD has always stood for selfless service and public welfare, she said the party's legacy of people-centric governance and inclusive development continues under the visionary leadership of former chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
Chhuria, who is BJD's women wing president, reminded the gathering that it was during the tenure of the legendary Biju Patnaik that Nuapada district was created, and the people of this region continue to remember his foresight and leadership with deep respect.
Key speakers at the meeting included BJD's Nuapada district president Abani Ranjan Joshi, and MLA Shri Adhiraj Mohan Panigrahi.
They claimed that the people of Nuapada have suffered due to BJP's inefficiency and insensitivity towards local issues.
Earlier in the day, a tribal convention was held at Adivasi Samaj Bhawan, Tanuat, Nuapada, where a large number of tribal leaders and community members participated. Many prominent leaders from the BJP and Congress formally joined BJD, party sources said.
Addressing the gathering, Debi Prasad Mishra said real development of tribal communities has taken place only under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, as the BJD government has always prioritised education, health, livelihood, and social justice for the tribal population.
In her address at the tribal convention, Chhuria voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of tribals under the present BJP government. She said that the tribal community feels unsafe today under the BJP regime, with increasing incidents of violence, exploitation, and atrocities, including cases of sexual assault in tribal school hostels. She reiterated that the BJD will continue to fight for the dignity, safety, and rights of tribal people.
BJD leaders reaffirmed the party's unwavering dedication to the holistic development of Nuapada, emphasising that the district's future lies in the continuity of progressive governance and the welfare-oriented vision of Naveen Patnaik.