BJD Foundation Day Observance: Naveen Patnaik Calls on Party Members to Address BJP's Misleading Claims on Social Media
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Bhubaneswar, Dec 26 (NationPress) Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha and leader of the opposition, called upon Biju Janata Dal (BJD) members on Thursday to effectively challenge the false narratives propagated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) across social media channels.
While addressing party members during the celebration of BJD's 28th Foundation Day, Patnaik indicated that the BJD's inability to counteract the misleading information and propaganda from the BJP contributed to the party's setbacks in the 2024 general elections.
"Our mistake was that we did not adequately address their falsehoods. We failed to effectively oppose their negative campaigns and untruths on social media. People have come to understand that the BJP has seized power through deception. I urge BJD workers to actively respond to the BJP's misleading narratives on social media," stated Patnaik, the BJD leader.
He claimed that even though the ruling BJP secured power by deceiving the populace with lies and false promises, it received fewer votes than the BJD in the recent elections.
Addressing concerns about the BJD's future, he reminisced about the party's inception in 1997, when skeptics claimed it would not succeed.
"I firmly assert that BJD has a promising future. The BJD and its emblem, the 'Conch', resonate with the sentiments of the people of Odisha. BJD stands for the rights of Odisha and has laid the groundwork for a prosperous and developed state. The party and its 'Conch' symbol are forever etched in the hearts of the populace. Our struggle for the rights of Odisha's people and against the injustices of the Central government will persist for the next century," Patnaik expressed.
The seasoned politician criticized the ruling BJP for the significant increase in food prices within the state.
"In the past six months, the BJP government's primary contribution to the people of Odisha has been soaring prices. The costs of dal, rice, vegetables, and edible oils have surged dramatically. Families across Odisha are suffering due to this inflation. Farmers are distressed over the paddy procurement process, and the mothers involved in Mission Shakti are in despair. When will the state government awaken from its deep slumber?" Patnaik questioned.
He highlighted the achievements of BJD's 24-year governance, asserting that Odisha is now recognized globally as a developed and robust state.
He pointed out that Odisha, once reliant on other states, is now a supplier of food products to others.
Poverty is declining while per capita income has risen in Odisha, according to Patnaik.
He also emphasized that Odisha has become a benchmark in disaster management.
Notably, he remarked that when the BJD took power in 2000, the state was operating on an overdraft, yet it has now transformed into a budget-surplus state.
Odisha has gained recognition as the sports capital of the world, Patnaik added.
In response, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Patnaik, arguing that it was inappropriate for the BJP to focus on the failings of the previous BJD administration.
He insisted that the BJP-led government has kept its promises to the people by ensuring Rs 3,100 per quintal for farmers' paddy and offering financial support to women through the Subhadra scheme.
Pradhan dismissed claims that these promises were untrue as laughable.
