ButSpeak.com
News which Matters.
In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Parliament session, BJD president Naveen Patnaik convened a meeting with his party’s nine Rajya Sabha MPs on Monday, urging them to become a “vibrant and strong” opposition in the Upper House. The session is set to begin on June 27.
During the meeting, Patnaik emphasized the importance of raising issues pertinent to Odisha’s interests. Sasmit Patra, the party’s leader in Rajya Sabha, conveyed Patnaik’s directives, highlighting the BJD MPs’ determination to not only speak on issues but also agitate if the BJP-led central government continues to overlook Odisha’s demands.
One of the primary issues to be raised is the demand for special status for Odisha, along with concerns over poor mobile connectivity and the low density of bank branches in the state. “Odisha’s demand for revision of coal royalty has been ignored by the Centre for the last 10 years. This is causing great loss to the people of the state who are deprived of their rightful share,” Patra added.
Patra further stated that the nine MPs will act as a strong opposition, following Patnaik’s clear instructions to fight for the rights of Odisha’s people in Parliament. When asked about the BJD’s stance on supporting the BJP-led government, Patra clarified, “No more support to BJP, only opposition. We may go to any extent to protect the interests of Odisha.”
This marks a significant shift from the BJD’s previous approach, where it provided issue-based support to the BJP in Parliament. The BJD had even assisted Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in securing a Rajya Sabha seat in both 2019 and 2024. However, Patra confirmed the party’s new position: “There is no question of supporting the BJP. The BJD president asked us to act as a strong and vibrant opposition if the NDA government continues to ignore the genuine demands of Odisha.”
The BJD currently has nine MPs in the Rajya Sabha but failed to secure any seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections, a first since its inception in 1997. Additionally, the BJD lost its hold on the state government, with the BJP ending its 24-year reign.
Patnaik’s recent meeting with senior BJD leaders underscored the need for unity and hard work. “You all know that the BJP has got four seats more than the majority mark in the Odisha assembly. At the Centre also, it does not have a majority on its own. Hence, you should work hard, stay united, and strengthen the party,” he stated.
As the upcoming Parliament session approaches, the BJD’s strategy to assert itself as a formidable opposition is clear. By advocating for Odisha’s interests and holding the central government accountable, the party aims to revitalize its position both in the state and at the national level.
