Saurabh Srivastava Retains BJD Media Coordinator Role Amid Naveen Patnaik's Critique of Union Budget

Biju Janata Dal leader Saurabh Srivastava thanks former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik for keeping him as party's media coordinator. Patnaik also criticized the Union Budget for neglecting Odisha, despite promises made during election campaigns.

On Thursday, Biju Janata Dal leader Saurabh Srivastava expressed gratitude towards former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after being informed that he would retain his position as the party's media coordinator. Srivastava thanked Patnaik for reposing faith in him and vowed to meet the expectations set forth.

'I humbly and wholeheartedly thank BJD Odisha National President and former Odisha CM and my source of inspiration, Shree Naveen Patnaik Sir for reposing his faith in me. I am blessed to work under your leadership and promise to give it everything it takes to match up to the expectations and faith shown in me. Jai Jagannath,' Srivastava posted on X.

Earlier in the day, Naveen Patnaik confirmed Srivastava's continuation in a letter, stating, 'I am glad to inform you that you continue as Media Coordinator, Biju Janata Dal, in New Delhi until further orders.'

However, Patnaik also expressed his discontent with the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, arguing that it neglected Odisha while favoring Andhra Pradesh and Bihar with special packages. Patnaik noted that BJP's manifesto had promised special category status for Odisha, which was not delivered.

Patnaik further criticized the Central government for failing to revise coal royalty rates, a measure that would significantly impact Odisha's revenue. He highlighted unmet promises related to the agriculture sector and Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), underscoring the state's neglect in the latest budget.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the first Union Budget of the Modi 3.0 government on July 23. The budget outlined nine key priorities aimed at fostering economic growth and creating opportunities.

(With inputs from agencies.)