The Naveen Patnaik-led government completed third year of its fifth tenure in Odisha today. In these three years, CM Patnaik came up with different new schemes to maintain his stature and popularity among all.
However, different controversies surrounded his ministers and workers that drew criticism for the BJD. Now, all eyes are on the upcoming two years of the fifth tenure and on the 2024 general elections.
May 29 marks the third anniversary of the BJD-led government in which the party registered a landslide victory and Patnaik took the oath as the Chief Minister for the fifth time. In his fifth term, CM Patnaik came up with programs like 5T and 'Mo Sarkar'. As the party supremo, Patnaik focused on turning the administration public-oriented.
In its effort to curb corruption, the government initiated several steps including taking legal actions against 264 government officials on corruption charges.
While the government is praising itself claiming different achievements, the opposition cries foul and has termed the achievements as a 'big failure'.
"Of the first 3 years of the fifth tenure, the Covid pandemic took a toll for 2 years. CM Patnaik designed several plans with a remarkable foresight that restricted the number of casualties. With 5T scheme, we have ensured cleanliness," said Ranendra Pratap Swain, Food and Supply Minister.
Meanwhile, former OPCC chief and senior Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik asked, "What are the development works done by the government? How we can believe in cleanliness when corruption is within the government."
On the other hand, BJP leader Surama Padhi targeting the Odisha government said, "Government is corrupt from the grass-root level. This government is a big failure in every sector. "
Failure in Covid management is one of the controversies that have surrounded the Odisha government in these three years. Till date, the opposition has been targeting the government over mismatching in Covid fatal reports. The controversies also include Mahanga double murder case, Pari murder case, Mamita Meher murder case and ACFO Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra death case.
Last but not the least, the recent Srimandir heritage corridor row has landed the Odisha government in soup and has raised the eyebrows of many.
Senior Journalist, Rabi Das said, "Srimandir heritage corridor project is done in an illegal manner which has invited trouble for the government. The people of Odisha don't have any other alternative and until then Naveen Patnaik will continue his reign. Candidates don't really matter. People cast their vote to candidates whom Naveen Patnaik selects."