'Full menu in an empty kitchen': LoP Naveen Patnaik slams Odisha Budget 2026-27

Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Friday launched a sharp attack on Odisha Budget 2026-27, describing it as a 'full menu in an empty kitchen'.

"What can I say about this budget. It sounds to be like a full menu in an empty kitchen. That is what I feel about this budget," said Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik.

The Odisha Government on Friday presented the Budget for the financial year 2026-27, with Chief Minister Mohan Majhi placing the annual financial statement before the state Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Odisha has been estimated at Rs 11 lakh 7 crore for the upcoming period. The state government has set an ambitious growth target of 12% for the next financial year to drive economic development and prosperity.

This apart, the Odisha government has earmarked Rs 5,575 crore for the VB-G RAM G Yojana, marking one of the biggest allocations in the budget. The Samruddha Anganwadi Yojana will receive Rs 635 crore, while Rs 100 crore has been set aside for the development of Model Mandis across the state.

Also Read: CM Mohan Majhi presents historic Rs 3.10L crore budget for Odisha, GSDP expected to reach Rs 11L crore

The Chief Minister also announced the launch of the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the Mukhyamantri Smart City Mission and Rs 240 crore for the World Green Storage Plan. The Rare Earth Corridor project has been provided Rs 10 crore.

To improve connectivity in remote areas, the government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore. Plans are also underway to establish the Jagannath Interpretation Centre along with a World Tourism Centre in Puri, boosting tourism infrastructure.