BJP & BJD at loggerheads over Utkarsh Odisha Conclave

Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) confronted each other on Wednesday over the ongoing Utkarsh Odisha conclave in Bhubaneswar.

In a press briefing, BJD highlighted that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been a driving force behind the ‘Make in Odisha’ initiative since 2016. They argued that this effort is now being rebranded rather than genuinely re-imagined.

Moreover, during the ongoing investment summit, an incident involving an attack on a woman outside the Kalinganagar Steel Plant came to light. This prompted the BJD to criticise the State’s administration.

“When Utkarsh Odisha conclave is going on and there is a tribal Chief Minister in the State, a tribal woman has been chased and thrashed. With this kind of environment, what kind of investment could be grounded?” asked BJD leader Priti Ranjan Ghadei.

On the other hand, the BJP dismissed these criticisms, alleging that the successful execution of the Utkarsh Odisha conclave has provoked intolerance among the rivals.

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BJP also accused the BJD of overseeing a period where industrial projects were leaving Odisha. The ruling party contended that the current government has exceeded its investment targets, turning Odisha into a more attractive destination for industrial ventures.

“This is a huge event inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The whole world is watching it. Modi guarantee has been issued to all the industrialists and investors that it is the best time to invest in Odisha. The development will spur economic growth and developmental activities in the State. There is nothing to be intolerant. If they had done it before, then why Odisha was pushed into despair?” asked BJP leader Ashok Mohanty.