Former CM Launches Fresh Attack on Ruling Party
In a significant political development, former chief minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik has intensified his criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing them of committing a "double dhoka" or double betrayal against the people of Odisha. This fresh salvo comes just days after Patnaik's previous remarks where he labeled the BJP as "betrayers" and "candidate thieves" during the campaign for the Nuapada byelection.
Nuapada Rally Turns Into Political Battlefield
During a political rally held in Nuapada on Friday, the BJD leader launched a comprehensive attack on the ruling party's governance. Naveen Patnaik strongly criticized the BJP for allegedly halting the development progress that his government had initiated during their 24-year rule in the state.
The veteran politician accused the BJP administration of operating based on "false propaganda" and emphasized that "development does not happen through false promises." He further stated that "a government cannot run on lies and hollow promises," directly challenging the ruling party's approach to governance.
Unfulfilled Promises Take Center Stage
Patnaik posed serious questions about the state government's performance over the past 500 days, specifically challenging whether the BJP had delivered on their pre-2024 election commitments. He highlighted several key promises that remain unfulfilled:
- 300 units of free electricity for residents
- Rs 3,500 pension scheme for beneficiaries
- Affordable fertiliser for farmers
- Protection of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy
- Employment opportunities for youth
- Loans for Mission Shakti women
"What did you get? Only betrayal, betrayal, and double betrayal," Patnaik declared to the gathering, amplifying his accusation of the ruling party's failure to deliver on their commitments.
Candidate Poaching Controversy Escalates
This recent confrontation follows Patnaik's November 3 accusations where he charged the BJP with "betrayal" for allegedly poaching their potential candidate, Jay Dholakia. The situation carries emotional weight as Jay Dholakia is the son of late BJD Nuapada MLA Rajendra Dholakia, whom the BJP has now made their nominee for the by-election.
BJP spokesperson Manoj Mohapatra quickly countered the allegations, asserting that "BJD's 24-year governance in the state was marked by betrayal and deceit." Mohapatra confidently claimed that "people of Odisha and Nuapada stand with the BJP," indicating the party's confidence in their growing support base.
Dholakia Family Becomes Political Flashpoint
BJP MP Sambit Patra entered the fray by criticizing Naveen Patnaik's choice of words, particularly terms like 'beimani' (dishonesty) and 'candidate chori' (candidate theft). Patra argued that these remarks have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Dholakia family and people across the state.
In a counter-allegation, Patra claimed that "the BJD was insensitive towards Rajendra Dholakia during his illness" and that the late MLA "was not given due respect by the BJD." This response indicates the BJP's strategy to turn the narrative against the former ruling party.
The political temperature in Odisha continues to rise as both major parties position themselves for the crucial Nuapada by-election, with accusations and counter-accusations dominating the campaign discourse.
