The Odisha assembly election results are scheduled to be declared on June 4th. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in the state will come to an end following this. During his inaugural campaign meeting in Odisha, Modi proclaimed his connection to Lord Jagannath and pledged to elevate Odisha to the top state in the country if the BJP is given an opportunity.
Modi strongly criticized Biju Janata Dal President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, asserting that Odisha requires a leader who comprehends its language and culture. Modi further stated at a campaign rally in Brahmapur that the BJP would establish a 'double engine' government post-elections, emphasizing the central government's efforts towards tribal welfare. Modi claimed during a campaign rally in Nabarangpur, a tribal-centric area, that under his leadership for the past decade, the budget for tribal welfare has increased fivefold compared to previous allocations.
Modi urged the citizens of Odisha to grant the BJP a chance, highlighting that the state holds immense potential that is not being fully realized under the current BJD administration. He urged the people to consider the 50 years given to Congress and the 25 years to BJD, and suggested giving the BJP just 5 years to transform Odisha into the leading state of the nation.
In response to Modi's assertions, senior BJD leader VK Pandian, a close aide of Naveen Patnaik, affirmed that Patnaik is set to be sworn in for his sixth consecutive term as the Chief Minister of Odisha on June 9. Modi criticized the BJD government for failing to leverage central government schemes for the benefit of Odisha. He highlighted that due to the state government's inaction, Odisha missed out on the advantages of the 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana'.
Additionally, although the central government allocated Rs 10,000 crore to Odisha under the 'Jaljeevan Mission' scheme, the funds were not effectively utilized by the state. Modi also pointed out the disparity in minimum support prices for paddy growers, noting that while farmers in Chhattisgarh receive Rs 3,100 per quintal, those in Odisha only receive Rs 2,100. Modi further alleged that the Patnaik administration obstructs the implementation of schemes introduced by his government in Odisha.