‘No More Support to BJP, Only Opposition,’ BJD Chief Naveen Patnaik Vows Strong Stand for Odisha in Parliament

GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar, 25th June. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik convened a crucial meeting with the party’s nine Rajya Sabha MPs on Monday, emphasizing the need for them to strongly represent Odisha’s interests as a robust opposition force in the upcoming parliamentary session starting June 27.

During the meeting, Patnaik underscored the importance of the BJD MPs advocating vigorously for issues vital to Odisha. Sasmit Patra, BJD’s leader in Rajya Sabha, affirmed their commitment to not merely discussing but also mobilizing efforts if the Centre neglects the state’s concerns under the BJP-led government.

“The BJD MPs this time will not be confined to speaking on issues only, but are determined to agitate if the BJP-led government at the Centre ignores Odisha’s interest,” stated Patra, highlighting their agenda to address critical issues such as the demand for special status, improvements in mobile connectivity, and the augmentation of bank branches in the state.

Patra further expressed discontent over the Centre’s prolonged disregard for revising coal royalty in Odisha, a matter he emphasized as crucial for the state’s welfare.

Reflecting on BJD’s shift in stance towards the BJP, Patra affirmed, “No more support to BJP, only opposition. We may go to any extent to protect the interests of Odisha,” echoing Patnaik’s directive to strengthen the party’s opposition role in Parliament.

With the BJD’s recent electoral setbacks in both Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, Patnaik urged party leaders to consolidate efforts and fortify the party’s position amidst changing political dynamics.