Senior Congress Leader Accuses BJP and BJD of "Fixed Match" in Odisha Politics

Srikant Jena, a senior Congress leader and former Union minister, has accused the BJP and BJD of having a "predetermined arrangement" in Odisha politics. Jena, who is contesting the election from Balasore, alleged that farmers are suffering, unemployment is rising, and the two parties have entered into an understanding.

"Even before the elections, people know that the arrangement is predetermined," Jena claimed. He said that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has ruled Odisha for 25 years, has made the state "number one in poverty, unemployment, and migration," and the per capita income of the people is the lowest in the country.

Jena also alleged that a few corporates have been allowed to loot the state's precious mineral resources. He claimed that many developmental works were taken up in Balasore when he was its MP from 2009 to 2014, but nothing has happened since 2014 except the inauguration of a marine police station. A software technology park in Balasore has not become operational due to the apathy of both the state and the Centre, according to Jena.

Why this matters: The allegations by a senior Congress leader highlight the political dynamics and challenges in Odisha, a state grappling with high poverty, unemployment, and migration rates. The claims of a "predetermined arrangement" between the ruling BJD and the BJP raise questions about the state's governance and the impact on its citizens.

Jena's accusations come as Odisha prepares for the upcoming elections, with the Congress seeking to make inroads in the state. The former Union minister's statements underscore the opposition's efforts to challenge the BJD's long-standing rule and the BJP's growing presence in Odisha. As the campaign intensifies, voters will closely watch how the parties address the state's critical concerns and respond to the allegations of political collusion.

Key Takeaways

• Senior Congress leader Srikant Jena accuses BJP and BJD of "predetermined arrangement"
• Jena claims farmers suffer, unemployment rises due to BJD-BJP understanding in Odisha
• Jena alleges Odisha under BJD rule is "number one in poverty, unemployment, and migration"
• Jena says developmental works in Balasore stalled since 2014, software park not operational
• Jena's allegations highlight political dynamics, challenges in Odisha ahead of upcoming elections