Fri Dec 26 21:05:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

BJD Will Endure for a Century, Ex-Odisha CM Patnaik Declares

BHUBANESWAR, India – December 27, 2025 (The Hindu) – Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik addressed Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) 29th Foundation Day, vehemently dismissing rumors of the party’s imminent collapse and vowing it would serve the people of Odisha for the next century.

Patnaik accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation, saying the BJD is a people’s movement deeply connected to Odia pride, not reliant on individual leaders. He emphasized the party’s successful track record since 1997, citing the period between 2000 and 2024 as a “golden era” for Odisha’s development. Achievements included poverty reduction, improved healthcare through schemes like Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna, women empowerment and a boost to the state’s economy and investment.

Patnaik directly criticized the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha, describing it as a “so-called double-engine government” failing to deliver on development promises. He cited issues such as fertiliser shortages for farmers, closed marketplaces, harassment of Mission Shakti women, youth discouragement, and, notably, the leakage of 18 question papers in the past 18 months.

“It does not feel like there is a functioning government in the State,” Patnaik stated, highlighting concerns over law and order and rising atrocities against women and even minor girls.
The BJD also held a press conference dismissing rumours of a possible announcement about a successor to Mr. Patnaik as a mischievous plot by some Opposition parties and section of media.

Summary of Text:

This article, originally published in “The Hindu” newspaper, reports on former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s address at the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) 29th Foundation Day. Patnaik refuted rumors of the BJD’s disintegration, asserting its longevity and commitment to the people of Odisha. He also criticized the current BJP government’s performance, citing various failures in development and governance. The text includes quotes from Patnaik and mentions a BJD press conference addressing further misinformation.

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