BJD holds farmers’ rally in Bhubaneswar; BJP dares debate in Assembly

Staging a protest over various alleged issues affecting farmers in Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organised a 'farmers’ protection rally' at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

BJD alleged that the state government has been neglecting serious concerns such as farmers’ distress and the deterioration of law and order. Raising these issues, the BJD launched a demonstration to press for immediate attention and action.

BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik attended the rally and strongly criticised the state government. He said the government is about to complete two years in office and had made several tall promises, but failed to deliver on the ground.

Patnaik stated that during its tenure, the BJD government had introduced the KALIA Yojana for the welfare of farmers. However, he alleged that the present 'double-engine' government has done nothing substantial for the farming community. He asserted that the BJD will continue its fight to safeguard the rights and interests of farmers.

"During its tenure, the BJD government had introduced the KALIA Yojana, loan and other facilities for the welfare of the farmers. But, what is the present 'double-engine' government doing?" asked Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back, accusing the BJD of creating unnecessary drama to divert public attention from its own shortcomings. The BJP challenged the BJD to come to the Assembly and hold a discussion if it has the courage to debate the issues.

Also Read: Naveen Patnaik to lead BJD farmers’ protest in Bhubaneswar

"If the BJD truly has the courage, the Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister should come to the Assembly and clearly state that there was no 'Katni-Chatni' during their tenure. They should explain whether they fulfilled their promise of providing irrigation facilities to 35 per cent of agricultural land and establishing adequate cold storage infrastructure for farmers. Can he assert with conviction that no farmer suicides occurred during his time in office? The present government is nearing completion of two years in power. In this period, has the Leader of the Opposition spoken even 15 minutes in the Assembly on farmers’ issues? I challenge them to come forward and engage in a debate on these matters," said BJP spokesperson Tankadhar Tripathy.