Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) announced a month-long ‘Jan Sampark Padayatra’ starting October 9, aimed at exposing the alleged inefficiencies and governance lapses of the BJP government in Odisha.
The annual campaign, running until November 9, will cover constituencies, blocks, and panchayats across the state.
The yatra, coinciding with Gopabandhu Jayanti, was rescheduled from its usual October 2 start due to Dussehra festivities.
Talking about the padayatra, BJD Senior Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said the campaign will kick off on Gandhi Jayanti with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and a pledge for public engagement.
The Padayatra will expose the BJP’s misgovernance, particularly its failures in law and order, women’s security, and welfare initiatives, Mishra declared.
BJD Vice PresidentPramila Mallik accused the BJP of superficial measures, such as renaming schemes and painting buildings saffron, while neglecting critical issues. She criticized the government for opening 70 new liquor factories despite earlier prohibition promises and highlighted farmers’ protests over fertiliser shortages.
Mallik also slammed the BJP for undermining grassroots democracy by curtailing the powers of elected panchayat representatives.
The BJD’s state-wide campaign aims to amplify public discontent and hold the BJP accountable for its governance record in Odisha.