Does BJD's Claim of Industrial Growth Contradict Government Assertions?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJD challenges state government claims
- Discrepancies between reported and actual industrial growth
- Concerns over major projects relocating to other states
- Economic indicators show decline in performance
- Opposition vows to protect Odisha's resources
Bhubaneswar, Dec 22 (NationPress) The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the state government on Monday, asserting that its proclamations regarding substantial industrial advancement in Odisha starkly contrast with the actual circumstances.
Upon returning from a two-day investors' meet and roadshow in Hyderabad, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed contentment with the event's results, highlighting that proposals worth Rs 66,781 crore were received, potentially creating jobs for approximately 56,430 individuals.
In a press release, the party alleged that the BJP-led state government has been boasting about attracting massive investments for industrial growth in Odisha through various events, squandering significant amounts of state resources. However, they claimed the actual scenario tells a radically different story.
BJD Spokesperson and Media Coordinator Lenin Mohanty stated, “While the BJP government makes grand claims of industrialization, projects like the JSW Group’s EV battery project valued at Rs 40,000 crore have already relocated to Maharashtra, and the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel project worth Rs 1 lakh crore has moved from Kendrapara to Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, the SRam-NRam semiconductor and Waaree Solar projects have also exited Odisha.”
He accused the state government of misleading citizens about industrial growth, asserting that the Double-Engine Government had campaigned on the promise of “Double Development”, yet Central assistance has plummeted by 18.19%, and the GSDP growth rate has declined from 9.6% to 7.2%.
The rate of industrial growth has decreased from 8.7% to 6.1%. Conversely, the unemployment rate in the state has risen to 3.9%, but the state government persists in selling false hopes to the populace.
Mohanty alleged that the BJP has dismantled the pro-investment environment established under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, by halting crucial industrial initiatives and neglecting investment proposals totaling Rs 16 lakh crore received during the previous administration.
The BJD spokesperson also cautioned that if the government attempts to exploit Odisha’s mineral-rich resources under the guise of industrialization, the Biju Janata Dal will vehemently oppose such actions.