Naveen Patnaik's Visit to Hinjilicut Sparks Political Debate in Odisha

Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo, visited his constituency (Hinjilicut) in Ganjam district on Monday, aiming to engage directly with local farmers. However, his visit sparked debate across the State.

According to sources, during his outreach in Sheragada village, Patnaik held discussions addressing the pressing issue of crop damage. Prior to this, he engaged in conversations with farmers from Takarada, Burupada, and Podinga.

Continuing his tour, Patnaik proceeded to Aska block, meeting local farmers at Baragaon panchayat and Ambasikhapur in Kabisuryanagar. This was his inaugural visit to Hinjilicut since the last General Elections.

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Speaking to mediapersons, BJD supremo Patnaik expressed “I have been looking at the crop damage, which is very bad. The farmers must be compensated very quickly as they were in the time of my government. All the damage that is onto the crops they must be given due compensation very very quickly.”

The visit follows closely on the heels of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's return from the same district, yesterday, where he also engaged with the farming community. This sequence of back-to-back visits has sparked major debate within political circles.

Commenting on the matter, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said, “If during his governance, he (Naveen Patnaik) had implemented policy measures for farmer development and made necessary legal reforms, then there would have been no need for him to visit today.”

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“Let him (the BJD supremo) visit as anyone can do so. Our good wishes are there. People of Odisha, despite their party affiliations, should stand beside the affected farmers during such a tough time,” the Revenue Minister added.

Reacting to this, senior BJD leader Ranendrapratap Swain said, “Naveen Babu is the Leader of Opposition and a CM of 24 years. He will certainly meet people. Had we not raised the issue, Odisha Government would not have woken up and taken action.”

“Naveen Patnaik has to remain active to keep his party alive. He was ousted as he was not visiting places. It is the responsibility of the LoP to stand beside people in their tough times. If he visited farmlands, there is nothing wrong in it,” political analyst Rabi Das opined.