Bhubaneswar, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Opposition Biju Janata Dal has ramped up its criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party, challenging its dedication to a long-standing commitment to secure special category status for Odisha.

BJD MP Sasmit Patra, during a press conference, expressed concern that the demand remains largely unaddressed, despite the BJP’s 2014 manifesto that promised to advocate for this status to promote the state's comprehensive development.

"In 2014, the Odisha BJP assured that it would advocate for special category status for our state. Now, two years into their governance, there has been no progress on this front," alleged Patra.

He pointed to recent disclosures in Parliament that revealed the Union government has no proposals under consideration, which he argued undermines the credibility of the so-called 'double-engine' governance model.

"This raises significant doubts about the BJP's double-engine government, which claimed it would work towards securing special category status for Odisha if elected," he commented.

Patra urged the BJP government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, to adopt a Cabinet resolution formally requesting special category status from the Centre on behalf of Odisha's populace.

"The demand for special status transcends mere political discourse; it is fundamentally tied to the state's enduring developmental and economic issues," Patra emphasized.

He reiterated that the matter reflects Odisha's structural economic challenges and called for prompt political and administrative measures.

The BJP assumed power in Odisha on June 12, 2024, concluding the 24-year tenure of the BJD under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. In the Assembly elections held on June 4, the BJP won a majority with 78 seats in the 147-member House, subsequently bolstered by the support of two independents.

Patra asserted that Odisha's case for special category status is further supported by socio-economic indicators.

According to the NITI Aayog Multidimensional Poverty Index and the state Economic Survey 2024-25, the poverty rate stands at 15.68%. While this shows improvement, officials indicate that challenges such as poor nutrition, restricted access to clean cooking fuel, and sanitation gaps continue to hinder developmental outcomes.

Scheduled Tribes make up 22.8% of the state’s population, while Scheduled Castes represent around 17%.

Additionally, Odisha remains particularly susceptible to recurring natural disasters, notably cyclones, which exert persistent strain on public finances.