Naveen Launches Scathing Attack on BJP Govt over Mandi Mismanagement and Distress Sales

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik has launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Odisha government, accusing it of presiding over a complete collapse of the state’s paddy procurement system.

Amid biting cold winds, farmers are being forced to spend nights in mandis guarding their hard-earned paddy. Many have taken to protesting on national highways, asking a simple question: When will the government procure our paddy?

The BJP’s so-called double-engine government came to power after making tall promises to farmers. But after assuming office, have all those assurances gone down the drain? From announcing a bonus on paddy procurement to selling pipe dreams, the government has repeatedly disappointed farmers—be it through the flawed token system, poor mandi arrangements, or the overall procurement process, Naveen said.

All claims made by the BJP government about giving farmers due respect have been exposed as hollow promises, he said. “Instead of respect, farmers today feel humiliated and exploited at every step. While they are protesting because they cannot sell their own produce, the government is patronizing them by calling them ‘nuisance-makers’. Is this what the double-engine government calls respect for farmers?”

Naveen further pointed out that at the start of procurement, the government had assured that all arrangements would be in place, tokens would be distributed to every farmer, and ministers would personally oversee the mandis. “But what is the reality? Not only have ministers failed to visit the mandis, during these distressing times not a single ruling party leader is seen standing with the farmers,” he said.

Farmers who had hoped for better incomes this year are now being pushed into distress sales, he added, stressing that farmers’ interests must come first and foremost.

“The people of Odisha will hold the double-engine BJP government accountable for this betrayal of our annadatas—our farmer brothers and sisters,” Naveen said.

The Biju Janata Dal stands firmly with the farmers and will raise its voice at every level to protect their rights, he added.