Odisha Budget: Naveen Patnaik Criticizes Double Engine Government's Development Stagnation
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Synopsis
Naveen Patnaik, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Odisha, criticized the double engine government for its failure to spend allocated funds, calling the latest budget a betrayal of public trust. He highlighted issues such as industrial decline, rising prices, and unemployment, urging the government to focus on effective expenditure for Odisha's development.
Key Takeaways
- Naveen Patnaik critiques the double engine government.
- Unspent funds from the previous budget are a major concern.
- Industrial growth and state finances are declining.
- Farmers' suicides and rising unemployment are alarming issues.
- The budget is viewed as political propaganda by opposition parties.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 18 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, stated on Monday that the double engine government is regressing in terms of state development.
In his response to the annual state Budget presented in the Assembly, Patnaik informed the media that the current government has failed to utilize the funds allocated in the previous budget.
“A significant portion of the money from last year’s budget remains unspent. Industrial growth is declining, alongside the state’s financial health. It appears the double-engine government is moving backwards. The rising costs of essential goods are impacting everyone. The ongoing plight of farmers, the lack of employment opportunities for women through Mission Shakti, and soaring unemployment rates are concerning,” stated Patnaik.
He emphasized that merely announcing a large sum in the budget is not sufficient. The Leader of Opposition asserted that the government should prioritize the effective use of the allocated funds for Odisha's development.
“This budget represents a betrayal of the trust placed in the government by the people of Odisha. It is rife with political rhetoric. Last year, the government failed to spend nearly Rs 60,000 crore of its proposals, making major announcements pointless without the will to execute them,” remarked BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo.
The Congress party also condemned the state budget, labeling the announcements as ‘daydreams’. They contended that the budget relies heavily on borrowing, which will only exacerbate the state's debt burden.
Congress leader Ashok Kumar Das expressed that the party cannot place faith in the budgetary promises until the government effectively implements them.
He also criticized the budget for insufficient allocations aimed at youth development and education.
Notably, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented the first comprehensive budget of the BJP government on Monday, with a total outlay of Rs 2.90 lakh crore for 2025-26.
