Naveen Patnaik Criticizes Central and State Budgets

BJD president Naveen Patnaik criticized the BJP-led central and state governments, describing their budgets as a 'double disappointment.' He contended that over 40 schemes from the BJD regime have been renamed. Patnaik intends to study the state budget provisions further before making additional comments.

Opposition BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Thursday criticized the BJP government at the Centre and in Odisha, alleging his state faced a "double disappointment" with both the Union and Odisha Budgets.

Addressing reporters outside the assembly, the former chief minister accused the Mohan Charan Majhi-led state government of renaming over 40 schemes initially introduced during the BJD regime.

Earlier in the day, the Odisha government presented a Rs 2.65 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 in the state assembly. "I reiterate, it is a 'double engine sarkar' and a double disappointment," Patnaik stated, noting the renaming of more than 40 of his government's schemes. The BJD chief said he would review the state budget provisions before offering any further comments.

(With inputs from agencies.)