BJP Government a ‘U-Turn Government’, Alleges BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain

Bhubaneswar: Senior BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP government, dubbing it a “U-turn government” and alleging that it has repeatedly backtracked on key promises made before the elections.

Addressing a press conference, Swain claimed that the BJP government had taken at least 12 major policy U-turns since assuming office. He alleged that the promised social security pension of Rs 3,500, highlighted in the BJP’s election manifesto, is yet to reach beneficiaries. He further alleged that several pensioners who received benefits under the previous BJD government are now facing difficulties due to revised eligibility criteria.

The senior BJD leader also accused the government of failing to honour commitments made to farmers. He alleged that the promised input assistance of Rs 800 per quintal was later reduced and that a procurement cap of 150 quintals per farmer was imposed despite no such provision being mentioned in the manifesto.

Targeting the government’s flagship Subhadra Yojana, Swain stated that the BJP had promised financial assistance of Rs 50,000 but subsequently scaled down the benefit to Rs 10,000, describing it as a departure from the original commitment.
On religious and cultural issues, he alleged that several assurances concerning the Jagannath Temple remain unfulfilled, including queue-based darshan, free Mahaprasad distribution and the tabling of the report on the missing temple keys.

The BJD legislator also raised concerns over delays in student union elections, implementation of the proposed milk distribution programme under the Mid-Day Meal scheme, and the withdrawal of a proposal to increase the salaries of ministers and legislators.

He further accused the government of reversing its stand on several issues, including the Bhubaneswar Metro project, mandatory pollution certificates for fuel purchase, renaming of the Biju Patnaik Sports Award, panchayat seat reservations, prohibition policy, and the ban on gutkha and nicotine products.

Alleging poor coordination within the administration, Swain claimed that ministers were making announcements without adequate consultation, only to retract them later. He also accused the ruling party of prioritising politics over governance.