Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik joined the “vote chori” chorus as he addressed his maiden election rally as Leader of Opposition in Nuapada ahead of the November 11 by-election.
“They (BJP) had stolen votes to form the government earlier and now they have stolen a candidate,” said Patnaik, referring to Jay Dholakia joining the BJP and becoming its candidate for the byelection.
Jay, son of sitting BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia — whose death necessitated the byelection — joined the BJP despite being seen as the frontrunner for the BJD ticket.
“This is a betrayal of the people, of the BJD and of me personally. The people of Nuapada will give a befitting reply to this betrayal on November 11,” said Patnaik, urging people to vote for BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria.
Patnaik’s “vote chori” charge assumes significance as the BJD had earlier alleged “discrepancies” in Odisha’s 2024 election data. The party has approached the Election Commission of India twice seeking clarifications but had stayed away when opposition parties marched to the poll panel over the issue in August.
Patnaik also took a dig at the 16-month-old BJP government in Odisha, saying it was “hero in propaganda and zero in work.” He alleged that development across the state had come to a standstill since the BJP came to power.
Patnaik also took a dig at the 16-month-old BJP government in Odisha, saying it was “hero in propaganda and zero in work.” He alleged that development across the state had come to a standstill since the BJP came to power. (Express Photo)
He questioned the promises made by the BJP during the 2024 elections, dubbing it a “name changer” and “colour changer” government.
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“Where are the 300 units of free power? Are the old-age people getting Rs 3,500 per month? Where are the fertilizers for our farmers? Has the katini-chhatni (cut during paddy procurement from farmers) been stopped? The BJP promised that at least 100 youths from every panchayat will get a job. How many jobs have been generated?” said Patnaik.
Hitting out at the government over law and order, Patnaik said atrocities against women were at their peak in the state. He also sought to connect with rural women associated with Mission Shakti, saying its members hadn’t received salaries for about eight months and self-help groups were struggling to get bank loans.
At the rally, Patnaik remembered his late father and former chief minister Biju Patnaik, who created the district in 1993, and paid tribute to Dholakia, saying he was always concerned about the district’s development. He also listed his government’s contributions — from expressways to drinking water, irrigation and social infrastructure.
The BJD, contesting its first bypoll from the opposition benches, has deployed over 60 leaders across the constituency for campaigning.
