Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed his disappointment with the Union Budget, citing the Centre’s failure to grant special category status to the state. Patnaik, whose Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party was recently ousted by the BJP in the Odisha Assembly polls, criticized the budget for allocating substantial funds to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar while ignoring Odisha’s demands
During, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling sought Patnaik’s arrest for alleged indiscipline during Governor Raghubar Das’ address in the House on Monday. Mahaling accused Patnaik of breaching the rules of the House, sparking a war of words between the two parties. The opposition BJD retorted that the statement shows BJP’s lack of experience in running the government.
The twin developments highlight the growing rift between the two former allies, with Patnaik accusing the BJP of neglecting Odisha’s interests. The BJD supremo’s criticism of the Union Budget comes after his party’s recent loss in the Odisha Assembly polls, where the BJP emerged victorious. The political turmoil in Odisha is likely to escalate, with Patnaik’s arrest call adding fuel to the fire.