Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), stated on Saturday that having a “single” or “double engine” is unimportant compared to good governance. He was addressing party officials and supporters following the announcement of the results of the Jharsuguda by-poll, in which his party triumphed by a landslide. Dipali Das of the BJD beat Tankadhar Tripathy of the BJP by 48,721 votes.
When addressing the BJP’s “double engine government” slogan, Patnaik stated, “Whether there is a single engine or two engines is irrelevant. Governance is significant from the perspective of the populace. A good, pro-people administration always prevails. “Those who portray Odia residents as lawless are hostile to our nation. Those who disparage our sisters, mothers, and daughters for entering a public area are fighting against the interests of the populace and their well-being. They would never be forgiven by the people of Odisha, he remarked, making an apparent dig at BJP leaders.
“The opposition treated the ladies with disdain during the by-election in Padmapur. They used foul words when abusing BJD women candidates. “They have abused the girls who have lost their fathers, whether it was in Padmapur or Jharsuguda,” Patnaik added. They have criticized Mission Shakti leaders, grassroots activists, and moms in every by-election, he said. The Chief Minister claimed that history is a testimony to the opposition’s behaviour and that the people of Odisha have never condoned such contempt for women.
“Opposition parties have traditionally opposed women’s emancipation. This is a risky pattern. “Such actions have always been despised and rejected by the people of Odisha,” he remarked. The Chief Minister promised that his party will always support the empowerment of the people of Odisha, particularly the weaker groups and women. The election result was hailed by him as “the victory of the people of Jharsuguda and women empowerment” and he praised the BJD workers for their commitment and sacrifice. He gave the assurance that BJD will continue to step up its efforts to improve the Jharsuguda region. The development work trend started by Nab Babu would continue, Patnaik said.
