‘Jai Kisan’ Slogan, ‘Bhago Kisan’ Reality: Naveen Blasts BJP Govt over Farmer Distress

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik sharply criticized the BJP-led state government during a major farmers’ rally, Chasi Surakhya Samabesh, held near the Odisha Assembly today.

The event marked the culmination of the BJD’s three-week-long agitation highlighting alleged mismanagement in paddy procurement, delays in fertilizer supply, and rampant irregularities at mandis.

Addressing the massive gathering of farmers and supporters, Naveen accused the Mohan Charan Majhi government of prioritizing empty slogans over substantive action.

“For the BJP government, ‘Jai Kisan’ is only a slogan, while in reality it’s ‘Bhago Kisan’,” he said, contrasting the ruling party’s rhetoric with the ground realities faced by Odisha’s farmers.

Naveen pointed out that the government is nearing two years in office but has failed to deliver on key election promises. He highlighted the BJD’s past initiatives during its rule, including a separate agriculture budget, the KALIA scheme, expanded irrigation facilities, and loan waivers/support for farmers. In contrast, he claimed the current “double engine” sarkar has left farmers struggling with untimely fertilizer availability, poor paddy procurement processes, and widespread illegal deductions (kati-chatni) at procurement centers.

“When farmers lodge protests, the state government accuses them of telling lies,” Patnaik remarked, adding that the administration has ignored the BJD’s persistent efforts in the Assembly over the last eight days to raise these concerns.

He further alleged that the government is spending hundreds of crores on publicity while claiming a lack of funds for farmers’ welfare. Expanding his critique beyond agriculture, Naveen painted a grim picture of the state’s overall governance.

“It’s better not to talk about law and order. No one is safe in this state. Farmers are not getting their rights. Mothers are not getting security. The youth are not getting employment. Every examination has paper leaks. This government has not been able to successfully conduct even a single examination.

Naveen emphasized that common people need tangible services, not lectures or stories from leaders. “Governments don’t run on stories; they need work,” he stated, describing the administration as being in a “Kumbhakarna-like sleep” and vowing that the BJD would continue fighting for farmers’ rights to awaken it.