Naveen Returns to Nuapada with Renewed Momentum

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik returned to Nuapada on Friday, reigniting the party’s campaign ahead of the by-election with a spectacular roadshow and public rally that drew massive crowds. The former Chief Minister landed at Gotma helipad around noon and embarked on a special campaign bus along Khariar Road, waving to enthusiastic supporters who thronged both sides of the route.

The roadshow culminated in a public meeting at Parkoda field, where Patnaik addressed thousands of people, energizing BJD cadres and urging voters to reaffirm their trust in the party’s symbol — the conch.

Sharp Attack on BJP’s 15-Month Performance

Patnaik wasted no time in taking on the BJP government, which has been in power in Odisha for 15 months. In a scathing critique, he accused the ruling party of failing to deliver on its promises and plunging the state into stagnation.

“They have achieved nothing,” Patnaik declared, demanding a public account of 500 days of governance. Contrasting the BJP’s rule with the achievements of his previous BJD government, he said, “Odisha witnessed growth in education, health, and infrastructure under BJD, but the BJP regime has only hyped superficial development through false propaganda.”

Broken Promises and Public Disillusionment

The BJD supremo hit out at the BJP’s unfulfilled 2024 election promises, calling them “a pack of lies.” He asked a series of pointed questions:

“Where are the 300 units of free electricity per household? What happened to the ₹3,500 pension for senior citizens? Where is the subsidized urea for farmers? And what about loans for Mission Shakti groups? Has corruption stopped?”

Patnaik drew laughter and applause as he mocked the government’s health schemes, contrasting the seamless BSKY cards of his administration with what he termed the “tension-filled Ayushman cards” of the BJP government.

‘Lies Cannot Win Hearts’ — Patnaik’s Emotional Appeal

Referring to the alleged attempts to disrupt his Komna meeting on November 3, Patnaik accused the BJP of conspiring to silence the BJD’s voice in Nuapada. “People have got lies, lies, and double lies,” he remarked sharply, before asserting that “Governments can lie, candidates can be stolen, but hearts cannot be won.”

The veteran leader said the people of Nuapada still feel betrayed and urged them to “answer the call of November 11” by voting for Snehangini Chhuria, the BJD candidate. “Support the conch symbol and protect the pride of Nuapada,” he urged.

Senior BJD Leaders Join the Show of Strength

The massive roadshow and rally were attended by several senior BJD leaders, including Prasanna Acharya, Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Jena, Tukuni Sahu, Adhiraj Panigrahi, Sanjay Dasburma, and Divyashankar Mishra, alongside key district leaders. Their joint presence showcased the party’s unity and resolve to reclaim Nuapada, countering opposition narratives of internal discord.

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