Color Controversy: BJP's Saffron Transformation Sparks Debate in Odisha

The BJP government in Odisha has mandated a saffron color scheme for all state-owned buildings, stirring criticism from the opposition. The Works Department has ordered all government edifices to adopt shades of light saffron and terracotta during new construction and renovations. This move, including uniform changes in schools, has been met with backlash from opposition parties, who claim the focus should be on pressing developmental issues.

The Odisha BJP government has stirred controversy by mandating saffron shades for all state-owned buildings, raising eyebrows among opposition parties.

A directive from the Works Department now requires government edifices to adopt light saffron and terracotta hues for exteriors, applicable to new structures and during renovations. This follows similar color code instructions for schools earlier this year.

Opposition leaders, including BJD spokesman Lenin Mohanty, have criticized the BJP's focus on aesthetics over tangible governance issues, such as the safety of women and educational integrity, accusing the government of displacing attention from real developmental activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)