BJD Challenges New Assembly Building Plans Amid Farmer Aid Controversy

The BJD has criticized Odisha's BJP-led government's decision to construct new buildings for the Lok Seva Bhawan and legislative assembly for Rs 3,623 crore, alleging it denies farmers an Rs 800 paddy subsidy. The BJD claims this move distracts from government failures, amid financial mismanagement concerns.

The Opposition party, BJD, on Thursday took a hard stance against the Odisha BJP government's decision to allocate Rs 3,623 crore for constructing new government buildings, including Lok Seva Bhawan, labeling it a diversion tactic from its alleged governance failures.

This decision comes in the wake of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's recent move to lay the foundation stone for these projects, slated to span 71 acres. According to the BJD, the government has overlooked crucial support for farmers, alleging it evaded a promised Rs 800 per quintal paddy assistance.

BJD figures such as spokesperson Lenin Mohanty and MLA Gautam Buddha Das argue that while the BJP focuses on infrastructure, the state's financial health, under its 18-month rule, has nosedived. The government has added a significant debt burden of Rs 91,000 crore in stark contrast to Rs 78,000 crore during the previous regime.

(With inputs from agencies.)