Bhubaneswar, February 24 – The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) held a massive demonstration of farmers at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, protesting against the state government's alleged anti-farmer policies and the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state.
Thousands of BJD workers and leaders gathered at Master Canteen Square here and later, in a rally, reached Lower PMG, where a large meeting was held.
Addressing the gathering, BJD President and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik strongly criticized the BJP-led state government, raising serious concerns over alleged irregularities in mandis (local markets) and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
In his address, Patnaik alleged that while the current government is promoting the slogan "Jai Kisan" (Hail Farmers), its actions reflect "Bhago Kisan" (Farmers, Run Away). The BJD supremo stated that a government cannot function solely on slogans and speeches; it must deliver through concrete action.
"This government will soon complete its second year in office. However, it has failed in both decision-making and implementation. During elections, they made tall promises, but none have been fulfilled," Patnaik alleged.
Highlighting the pro-farmer policies of the previous BJD government, he noted that a separate agriculture budget was introduced, the farmer welfare scheme KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) was implemented, credit support was ensured, and irrigation facilities were expanded for farmers.
The BJD chief further alleged that farmers are not getting fertilizers on time, paddy procurement is not being carried out properly, and illegal practices of "katni-chhatni" (deductions in paddy weight) are on the rise.
He stated that farmers are not receiving payments on time, and when they raise complaints, the government dismisses their concerns as false. Patnaik stated that he had written to the government urging it to sincerely fulfill its electoral promises and resolve farmers' issues.
He proposed several measures, including the formation of a special squad to stop "katni-chhatni," breaking the alleged nexus between millers and government officials, removing the 150-quintal ceiling on input subsidy, ensuring payment to farmers through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) within 48 hours, and the procurement of paddy lying in open fields within 72 hours.
"It is unfortunate that 15 days have passed, yet nothing has been done. Hundreds of crores are being spent on publicity, but nothing is being done for the farmers. For the past eight days, the BJD has been fighting in the Assembly over the problems faced by farmers. However, this government has no concern at all for the farmers," Patnaik alleged.
Raising concerns over the law-and-order situation, Patnaik said that no one in the state feels safe. He alleged that women are not secure, and young people are not getting employment opportunities. He also criticized the repeated examination paper leaks, stating that the government has failed to conduct even a single examination properly.
"People need service, not speeches from politicians. A government cannot run on narratives; it must deliver results," said Patnaik, affirming that the BJD will continue its fight for farmers' rights until the government awakens from its deep slumber.