Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday, 10 June convened a detailed review meeting in Bhubaneswar with party leaders who contested and lost in the 2024 Assembly elections, assessing organisational strength across constituencies and charting strategy for the upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. The session also addressed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls — a process Patnaik described as an 'extremely important issue' for the party.

Meeting at a Glance

The review, which lasted nearly three hours, saw participation from leaders representing around 100 constituencies, according to senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra. Patnaik directly interacted with more than 70 leaders, listening to their feedback, concerns and suggestions on the party's future direction. Mishra said the interaction was aimed at re-energising party workers and tightening the organisation ahead of the local body polls.

What Patnaik Told Party Workers

According to an official BJD statement, Patnaik advised leaders and workers to begin Panchayat and ULB election preparations 'with full confidence.' He also urged greater emphasis on social media outreach and communication — a signal that the party is recalibrating its digital strategy following its 2024 defeat. This comes amid growing pressure on the BJD to rebuild its grassroots network after losing power in Odisha after a 24-year run.

Sharp Attack on BJP Government

Targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government, Patnaik alleged that the law-and-order situation in Odisha had 'completely deteriorated' over the past two years. He claimed that crimes including murder, rape, robbery and atrocities against women had 'crossed all limits,' and that the general public was living in fear — allegations the BJP government has not yet formally responded to, according to available reports. Patnaik further alleged that the state's economic condition had worsened significantly since the BJP assumed power, and expressed concern that elderly persons and differently abled beneficiaries were not receiving social security pensions under the current government's tenure. He reportedly remarked that such administrative disorder had never been witnessed under any previous Odisha government.

BJD's 24-Year Record Invoked

Patnaik highlighted the BJD's track record during its 24-year rule, citing progress in disaster management, food security, healthcare, education, sports, irrigation, infrastructure development and welfare initiatives for farmers, women and weaker sections. The invocation of that legacy suggests the party intends to anchor its electoral pitch on a contrast with the current administration's performance.

SIR Vigilance and Electoral Roll Concerns

On the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls, Patnaik cited lacunas observed in similar exercises in other states and advised party workers to remain vigilant — specifically to ensure that no eligible voter's name is deleted due to even a minor typographical error. The warning reflects a broader concern among opposition parties nationally about voter list revisions ahead of election cycles. The Panchayat and ULB polls are expected to serve as the next major electoral test for the BJD's organisational revival.