Opposition Criticizes Odisha Government Amid Flood Crisis

As Odisha faces severe flooding affecting 20 districts, opposition parties BJD and Congress have criticized the state government for its inaction. Leaders like Naveen Patnaik question the priorities of BJP officials attending events in Delhi while their constituents suffer. Patnaik expresses deep concern over the loss of innocent lives and urges the government to prioritize safety. Senior Congress figures echo these sentiments, highlighting the need for better preparedness ahead of the monsoon. This situation raises questions about the government's commitment to its citizens during crises.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 31, 2026, 06:25 IST

Opposition Parties Call Out Government's Inaction During Floods

In the wake of severe flooding in Odisha, opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, have sharply criticized Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi and other leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their actions on Thursday. Both parties held separate press conferences, accusing the state government of failing to address the disaster effectively. Currently, 20 out of 30 districts in Odisha are grappling with the impact of the floods.

Naveen Patnaik, the leader of the opposition in the Odisha Assembly and BJD president, questioned, “Are BJP leaders from Odisha attending banquets in Delhi while the state faces a catastrophic flood situation? As relentless rains inundate the entire state, the Chief Minister and senior BJP leaders are in Delhi. What could be more important than ensuring the safety of our people during such challenging times?”

In a social media post, Patnaik expressed his sorrow over the hardships faced by the flood-affected population, stating, “I, along with all the people of Odisha, am deeply saddened by reports of innocent lives lost due to the floods.” He urged the BJP government to stand in solidarity with those affected and ensure their safety. Senior Congress leaders, including former Union Minister Srikant Jena and ex-state president Niranjan Patnaik, also condemned the BJP government, accusing it of negligence regarding the flood situation. Niranjan emphasized that the government should have convened preparatory meetings well before the monsoon to tackle such crises.