“Hero in Publicity, Zero in Performance”: Naveen Slams BJP

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik today tore into the BJP government, branding it a “hero in publicity, zero in performance.”

He accused the saffron party of “stealing votes to form the government and now stealing candidates.”

Addressing a massive gathering in support of BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria in Komna, Naveen alleged that Odisha’s development had been brought to a standstill under BJP’s rule.

All progress achieved under the BJD government has been derailed in just 16 months, he declared.

Raising a series of pointed questions, the BJD supremo asked, “Where are the 300 units of free electricity promised? Where is the increased pension for our elders? Why are farmers still waiting for fertilizers and cotton subsidies?” He also condemned the BJP government for the “deteriorating law and order” and the “rising crimes against women” across the state.

Expressing concern for Mission Shakti members, the BJD President said women self-help group members had not received loans or honorarium payments for the last eight months. Drawing a welfare comparison, he stated, “While the BJP changes names of schemes, BJD changes people’s lives. BSKY is proof — stronger, wider, and more effective than Ayushman Bharat.”

Naveen recalled the pivotal role of Biju Patnaik in creating Nuapada district and reaffirmed his party’s commitment to its growth. He highlighted key BJD-era achievements — the Biju Expressway, irrigation for over 10,000 hectares, clean drinking water projects, better schools, and forest rights for tribal families.