BJD Slams PM Modi's 'Double-Engine' Claims as a 'Double Betrayal' for Odisha

BJD's Strong Rebuttal to PM Modi's Claims
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has firmly dismissed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that the 'double-engine' governance model has been advantageous for Odisha, labeling it a 'double betrayal.'
In a speech delivered on Friday, Modi claimed that the collaborative efforts of the BJP-led central and state governments have yielded significant benefits for Odisha.
"The double-engine model of development is beginning to show tangible results. The launch of projects worth thousands of crores in Odisha demonstrates the effectiveness of the combined approach of the Union and state governments. This model has provided dual benefits to the populace," Modi stated.
However, Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, a senior BJD leader and member of the political affairs committee, countered that the promises made by the BJP have proven to be 'empty promises.'
During a press briefing on Saturday, Das Burma remarked, "The double-engine government has resulted in a 'double betrayal' for the people of Odisha, with the BJP's election pledges essentially amounting to falsehoods."
He pointed out that Odisha received 18.19% less in central grants for the fiscal year 2024-25 compared to the previous year, revealing the reality behind the so-called double-engine model.
"In the last budget, the Union government announced the establishment of 12 industrial cities across India, yet none are located in Odisha, despite the state possessing nearly 40% of the nation's mineral resources. This is a significant injustice," he asserted.
Das Burma also criticized the BJP government for its lack of attention to the Jagannath Temple, stating, "While the Naveen Patnaik administration has undertaken extensive development initiatives for Srimandir (Jagannath Temple) and Puri as a pilgrimage destination, all such efforts have stagnated over the past year."
He added, "During election campaigns, BJP leaders claimed they would recover the Ratna Bhandar key, even if it was buried underground. However, after assuming power, they filed an affidavit in the High Court stating that the key issue cannot be disclosed, which reveals the BJP's duplicity. Furthermore, despite their promises, the audit of the Ratna Bhandar (Ganati Manati) has yet to occur."
Das Burma emphasized that the government has failed to establish the temple management committee, which has been overdue for nine months.
"Additionally, the management system of the temple is in disarray, as highlighted by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the chief servitor of the shrine, in a recent interview," he noted.
Senior BJD leader and former minister Snehangini Chhuria joined the criticism, pointing out a rise in crimes against women under the BJP administration.
"On average, 15 women are raped daily in Odisha," she claimed, referencing official statistics and noting that the state now ranks 8th in the nation for overall crime, with 8 of the top 10 states being governed by the BJP.
BJD's senior general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra also criticized the Odisha Vision Document 2036 presented by the Prime Minister.
"This document sets a target of a 9% GDP growth rate for Odisha, which is alarmingly low, especially when other states are aiming for 15%. Under Naveen Patnaik's leadership, Odisha once achieved a growth rate of 16%. Why, then, is the Vision Document's outlook so weak and short-sighted?" Baxipatra questioned.
OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das also condemned the Prime Minister for neglecting to address the increase in crimes against women and the outbreak of diarrhoea and cholera.
The Congress leader criticized the state’s BJP government for failing to manage the waterborne diseases effectively.