Odisha: A Contested 'Growth Engine' Vision

Odisha's Budget session saw opposition legislators walk out during Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati's address, which touted the state's economic potential. While the governor presented ambitious growth plans, opposition parties criticized the disconnect between vision and reality, underscoring ongoing challenges faced by farmers, marginalized communities, and the youth.

Opposition legislators from the BJD and Congress staged a walkout during Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati's address at the Odisha Assembly, where he described the state as India's 'growth engine.' The walkout highlighted the opposition's disagreement with the governor's claims and the perceived gap between rhetoric and reality.

The governor emphasized Odisha's ambition to become a major contributor to India's economy, showcasing a comprehensive development vision that includes infrastructure and industrial initiatives. However, opposition leaders criticized the address as lacking substantive action, pointing to unresolved issues affecting local communities and youth.

Despite highlighting achievements in anti-Naxal operations and steel production, the governor's speech failed to resonate with detractors, who argued that the grand promises stand in stark contrast to the state's ongoing challenges, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)