BJD MP Reiterates Call for Odisha's Special Category Status
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Synopsis
On February 13, BJD MP Sasmit Patra condemned the central government's neglect of Odisha in the recent Union Budget, reiterating the demand for special category state status. He emphasized the economic contributions of Odisha and urged the government to recognize the state's resilience and needs.
Key Takeaways
- BJD MP Sasmit Patra demands special category state status for Odisha.
- Accuses central government of neglect in Union Budget.
- Highlights the economic importance of Odisha.
- Calls for recognition of the challenges faced by the state.
- Urges the government to fulfill its promises made in 2014.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 13 (NationPress) Senior Biju Janata Dal leader and MP Sasmit Patra once again emphasized the party’s plea for special category state status for Odisha.
Addressing the upper house of parliament on Thursday, Patra accused the central government of neglecting Odisha in the Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26.
“I stand here today not merely as a representative of Odisha, but as a voice for a state that has been forsaken by this Union Budget! This is not just neglect—this is an affront to four and a half crore people of Odisha!” he claimed.
Targeting the ruling BJP, the BJD Rajya Sabha MP pointed out that the Odisha BJP had promised special category status for the state in its 2014 election manifesto.
“Where is that promise after eleven years? Where is that status? Where is the justice?” questioned Patra.
He noted that the Biju Janata Dal and its leader Naveen Patnaik have been consistently advocating for Special Category Status for Odisha for the past two decades.
The Rajya Sabha MP also highlighted that the four and a half crore citizens of Odisha are hopeful for the Special Category Status, but it has not materialized in this Budget.
“Odisha serves as the economic backbone of this nation—our coal, iron ore, and minerals fuel India’s progress—yet when Odisha requests its fair share, this government turns a blind eye! We endure cyclones and natural disasters year after year—yet Delhi refuses to acknowledge our suffering,” asserted the senior BJD leader.
Patra accused the Union Budget for 2025-26 of favoring certain states while neglecting others, claiming that the Union government regards Odisha as an afterthought.
“Is Odisha merely valuable for extracting resources like mines, minerals, and coal, but unworthy of support for special category state status? Odisha’s resilience deserves recognition, not disregard. If we expect our state to recover after each calamity while continuing to contribute to India’s development, we must ensure it receives the necessary support,” he added.
The senior BJD leader called upon the central government to stop neglecting Odisha and grant it special category state status.
