Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a public meeting in Subarnapur district on Thursday, launched a scathing attack on Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s 20-year tenure, terming it as “lost years” for the state’s development.
Shah cited a study by researchers who had termed the past two decades under Patnaik’s rule as a period of stagnation, with the state remaining where it was 20 years ago. In contrast, he praised the BJP’s performance in states where it is in power, highlighting the accelerated development under “double engine” governments involving both the state and central leadership.
Shah emphasized the need for Odisha’s youth to participate in global competition and attract global companies to the state. He promised that the BJP, if given a chance to govern, would make Odisha the number one state in the country within five years.
The BJP leader also criticized the current government’s handling of the state’s mineral resources, accusing it of wasting them instead of utilizing them for the development of tribal populations. He alleged large-scale corruption within the government, aided by bureaucracy.
Shah contrasted the development milestones achieved during the past 10 years, particularly in BJP-led states, with the perceived lack of progress in Odisha. He urged voters to reject the Biju Janata Dal government and support the BJP in the upcoming elections.
The Union Home Minister expressed confidence in the BJP’s ability to secure victory in 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats and form a majority government in the Odisha Legislative Assembly for the first time. He highlighted the significant increase in central funding for Odisha’s development under the Narendra Modi government, amounting to ₹4.81 lakh crore, compared to ₹1.45 lakh crore during the United Progressive Alliance’s decade-long rule. Additionally, the Modi government has allocated ₹1.5 lakh crore for infrastructure projects, ₹23,000 crore for road development, ₹65,000 crore for railways, and ₹500 crore for airport development in Odisha.
Patnaik is seeking a sixth term as Chief Minister in the 2024 Odisha Assembly Elections, which would make him the longest-serving Chief Minister in India.
