Why BJD Lost: The 28th Foundation Day of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is being celebrated today at the party headquarters, Shankha Bhavan, as well as at various locations across the state.
On this occasion, participating in a state-level program at Shankha Bhavan, BJD President Shri Naveen Patnaik reflected on the people’s affection for the party and the achievements of the BJD government. He expressed his firm commitment that the Biju Janata Dal would continue to serve the people of Odisha for the next hundred years. He reiterated, “Odisha’s interests come first.” As a strong regional party, the BJD will persist in safeguarding Odisha’s rights and fighting against central injustices, he declared.
Recalling the golden moments of the party’s establishment, Shri Patnaik said, “On this day, December 26, 1997, the Biju Janata Dal was born. With Biju Babu’s ideals and inspiration, Biju admirers came together to form the BJD.
At that time, many doubted that this party would survive. Some believed it would not progress or achieve success. Many even said I knew nothing about politics. However, with your hard work and the blessings of the people of Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal has won elections five consecutive times and has had the privilege to serve the people of Odisha. Personally, I feel fortunate to have been able to serve you.”
Reflecting on the successes of the BJD government over the past 24 years, Shri Patnaik stated that the BJD government has established Odisha as a strong and prosperous state on the global map.
Odisha, which once depended on other states for food grains, is now exporting food. Poverty has decreased in the state, per capita income has increased, and Odisha has become a model state in disaster management. Investments in the state have risen significantly. From being in overdraft in 2000, Odisha has now become a budget surplus state. The state has emerged as a leader in women’s empowerment and economic management and has gained global recognition as the Sports Capital of India.
Acknowledging the love of the people of Odisha and the hard work of party workers, Shri Patnaik said,
“Today, the Biju Janata Dal stands strong as a regional party, thanks to the dedication of the workers and the affection of the people of Odisha.”
Commenting on the electoral defeat, Shri Patnaik remarked, “I understand that many have questions about how we lost the recent elections. Let me answer that today. We have not lost. We have not lost the trust of the people. The BJP misled people with lies and false promises to gain power. Despite such deceit, the BJP received fewer votes than us. Our mistake was that we could not effectively counter their lies and negative campaigns on social media.”
He further stated that now, the people of Odisha have realized that the BJP came to power by spreading falsehoods. He urged party workers to stay active on social media and respond aptly to the BJP’s false narratives.
Regarding the current BJP-led government in Odisha, Shri Patnaik said, “In the last six months, the biggest gift the BJP government has given to the people of Odisha is skyrocketing prices. From rice to oil, and even basic commodities, everything is now unaffordable. Families are crying over inflation, and farmers are suffering due to issues in paddy procurement. Mission Shakti mothers are in distress. How long will this government remain indifferent to people’s suffering?”
Responding to critics, Shri Patnaik said, “Just as some doubted our party’s future during its formation in 1997, some critics continue to question its future today. Let me confidently say that the Biju Janata Dal has a bright future. The BJD remains deeply connected to the emotions of the people of Odisha and their aspirations. The conch symbol resonates deeply with the hearts of the people.”
He concluded, “The Biju Janata Dal has illuminated Odisha’s identity, fought for the state’s rights, and laid the foundation for a strong and prosperous Odisha. The BJD and its conch symbol will forever remain in the hearts of the people.”
In this program, Bhubaneswar district BJD president Shri Sushant Rout delivered the welcome address. Prominent speakers included MLA Ananta Jena, former ministers Debiprasad Mishra and Ashok Panda, Mayor Sulochana Das, and Manmath Rautray are also presented.
