Ex-Odisha CM Criticizes BJP's 'Name-Changing' Budget, BJP Defends as 'Historic'

Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik criticizes BJP's first state budget as merely rebranded old schemes. The Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget, seen as historic by the BJP, aims at development with increased funding for agriculture. BJP and state officials defend the budget's focus on people-oriented projects.

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, disparaged the BJP-led state government's initial budget, labeling it a 'name-changing' rather than a 'game-changing' financial plan. Patnaik asserted that 80% of the budget's schemes were recycled from previous BJD initiatives.

The Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget for fiscal year 2024-25, presented by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, exceeds last year's budget forecast by nearly 15%. The budget apportions Rs 33,919 crore to agriculture—a 36% increase from the previous year—with significant funds earmarked for program spending, administrative costs, and disaster risk management.

Despite the criticism, BJP leaders hailed the budget as historic and development-centric. Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling highlighted that numerous agendas from the party's Sankalp Patra were being implemented. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo reinforced the budget's focus on the poor, women, and youth, asserting it would spur the state's overall development.

(With inputs from agencies.)