Time for Sympathetic Words Is Over; Accord Special Category Recognition for Odisha Immediately: BJD MP

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has asked the Centre to accord special category recognition for Odisha immediately.

Raising the issue in Rajya Sabha, the BJD MP said, “Not tomorrow. Today. The time for sympathetic words is over. The time for decisive action has come”.

“Today, I do not rise merely as a representative of Odisha—I rise as the conscience of a state that has powered India’s progress, borne nature’s fury, and stood tall, time and again, without ever faltering. Odisha is not seeking sympathy. Odisha is demanding justice. Justice long overdue”, the BJD MP said.

For over two decades, under the indomitable leadership of Naveen Patnaik, Odisha has made a dignified, consistent, and rightful demand—Special Category Status, Patra said.

“We have not raised our voice in anger; we have raised it in reason. But reason, when ignored for too long, must thunder”, he said.

Odisha is The Pillar of India’s Growth, The Shield Against Nature’s Wrath. Odisha is the engine room of India’s economy—our coal powers industries, our minerals build India’s infrastructure, our ports connect India to the world. Yet, Odisha stands vulnerable—year after year, storm after storm. Super cyclone, Phailin, Fani, Amphan, Yaas—the names change, but the destruction repeats, Patra said.

“While Odisha fuels India’s rise, Odisha alone bears the brunt of devastation. Is this the federal vision enshrined in our Constitution? Is this the idea of cooperative federalism we all speak of?”, he asked.

Fairness Is not a favour. Recognition Is not a request. Special Category Status is not an indulgence—it is a rightful recognition of Odisha’s dual responsibility; As the economic backbone of India and As the perennial frontline against natural disasters.

Odisha’s fiscal health is strained because of factors beyond its control—rebuilding infrastructure, rehabilitating millions, securing lives—all while contributing billions to the national exchequer.

No other state is asked to sacrifice as much, contribute as much, and yet receive as little national assistance,

This House must ask itself: Will Odisha forever remain the silent sentinel, expected to give but never granted?

This is a National Test of Fairness. This is no longer a routine demand. This is a test—a test of our nation’s commitment to justice, equity, and federal responsibility. Odisha has shown resilience. Odisha has shown contribution. Now, the Union Government must show recognition, he said.

The BJD MP said, “I demand, with the full moral authority of my people and the weight of two decades of perseverance: Grant Special Category Status to Odisha.