Odisha not in focus of national parties: Patnaik

Noting that the BJD is not just a political party, but a social movement, CM Naveen Patnaik said it has earned the trust of 4.5 crore people of Odisha

In an apparent dig at the Opposition ahead of the 2024 Assembly polls and general election, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on December 26 said his Biju Janata Dal has a single-point agenda of development of the State, which is “not in focus” of national parties.

The BJD has no vested interests apart from the progress of Odisha, Mr. Patnaik asserted.

He was addressing a large gathering of party leaders and office-bearers at the silver jubilee of BJD’s foundation day at the Shree Jagannath ‘Dham’ in Puri.

The BJD was founded on December 26, 1997, and named after its legendary leader Biju Patnaik, the father of Naveen Patnaik.

“The interest of the State is the lone agenda of the BJD, while Odisha is not in the focus of national parties. They have national politics in their agenda. Only a regional party can develop the State,” he said, without naming any party.

Noting that the BJD is not just a political party, but a social movement, Mr. Patnaik said it has earned the trust of 4.5 crore people of Odisha.

“The BJD’s growth and acceptability among the people is not dependent on one or two persons, nor will it in future,” the CM said.