The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has organized a large-scale protest in Bhubaneswar on January 6 to express disapproval of the price increase of basic goods and other urgent problems, ahead of its 28th foundation day on December 26. While speaking out against the “anti-people policies” of the BJP government, party head Naveen Patnaik asked members to remain dedicated to serving the people of Odisha. Patnaik highlighted the BJD’s commitment to the welfare of the people of Odisha over the previous 27 years in an open letter to party officials. He urged party members to draw attention to how the poor and middle class have been negatively affected by the BJP government’s inability to control inflation.
“The BJD’s 28th foundation day will be observed in all Assembly constituencies, where we will reiterate our commitment to Odisha’s progress. As a responsible opposition, we will raise the people’s concerns in various forums,” Patnaik said.
He wished everyone a happy new year and restated the party’s commitment to using Biju Patnaik’s philosophy to improve society as a whole. More than 5,000 party members will take part in the demonstration on January 6 that will focus on price hikes and other issues, according to senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra. Mishra called the BJP’s “double-engine government” a “double failure government” at the state and federal levels, criticizing the party’s slogan.
The convenor of the BJD’s program implementation committee, Sanjay Dasburma, listed the main points to be brought up, such as the rapidly rising costs of necessities including pulses, vegetables, edible oils, gasoline, fuel, and LPG cylinders. Families, especially those headed by women, have been severely impacted financially by these hikes. Biju Mahila Janata Dal convenor Snehangini Chhuria emphasized the challenges women confront in controlling family finances in the face of growing costs. She claimed that the government has disregarded the predicament of families who are having difficulty paying these bills.
Byomkesh Ray, the convenor of the Biju Yuva Janata Dal, drew attention to the unemployment problem that is impacting students and young people in Odisha. He claimed that inaction on the part of the government to address unemployment has made the problems brought on by inflation much worse. In the upcoming months, the BJD leadership said that the party would continue to hold protests, notably on the divisive Polavaram Dam issue. These initiatives seek to effectively address the complaints of the people of Odisha and elevate their voices.
