Opposition Raises Strong Objection

The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has launched a scathing attack on the Odisha government’s recent decision to create 28 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) and seven municipalities, alleging that it has deliberately sidelined 42 NACs announced earlier by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

At a heated press conference, BJD leaders demanded an immediate review of the decision and the release of gazette notifications for all newly declared urban bodies. The party also warned of staging protests if their demands are ignored.

BJD Cites 2023 Announcement by Naveen Patnaik

According to the BJD, Patnaik had announced the establishment of 56 NACs in 2023 based on population data and district collectors’ recommendations to ensure systematic urban growth. However, the present government’s updated list includes only 12 of those, leaving 42 NACs without recognition.

“It is time the government woke up and restored the 42 left-out NACs while issuing gazette notifications for all declared bodies,” a BJD spokesperson alleged, accusing the ruling BJP of playing politics over people’s welfare. The party also reiterated Patnaik’s plan to upgrade Kantabanji from NAC to municipality, urging immediate action.

Majhi Unveils Urban Reform Roadmap

The controversy comes a day after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled his government’s ambitious urban reform programme at a state-level event in Bhubaneswar. He directed the Housing and Urban Development Department to complete sanitation and road works across all urban areas by April 2026, aligning with the vision of making Odisha the most prosperous state by 2036.

“Exemplary, well-maintained cities are the hallmark of development,” Majhi said, citing potholes and open drains as persistent civic issues highlighted through grievance cells.

New NACs and Municipalities Announced

Majhi announced the creation of 16 new NACs, including Loisingha (Bolangir), Sohela (Bargarh), and Badamba (Cuttack), along with seven new municipalities such as Karanjia (Mayurbhanj) and Bhanjanagar (Ganjam).

In addition, he launched several initiatives, including the distribution of 394 houses under PM Awas Yojana in Bhubaneswar, introduction of a WhatsApp ticketing service for Ama Bus, inauguration of 43 multipurpose centres worth ₹157 crore, establishment of six goshalas with a ₹30 crore investment, and the launch of a toll-free civic grievance number (1929).

Opposition Questions Government’s Intentions

Despite the announcements, the BJD expressed skepticism about the government’s sincerity in addressing public concerns. “People’s problems are being ignored, while the announcements appear politically motivated to serve the ruling party’s interests,” the spokesperson alleged.

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