Naveen Patnaik Slams Odisha BJP Leaders Over Delhi Visit Amid Flood Crisis

Bhubaneswar: BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday criticised the Odisha BJP leadership, alleging that the state’s top leaders were away in Delhi while large parts of Odisha continued to grapple with severe flooding.

In a post on X, the former Chief Minister questioned the timing of the visit, asking whether BJP leaders were occupied in the national capital even as flood-affected residents struggled across the state.

Patnaik said Odisha has been witnessing widespread flooding following incessant rainfall, affecting normal life in several districts. He pointed out that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with several BJP ministers and Members of Parliament, were in Delhi despite the unfolding disaster.

He stressed that the safety and well-being of people should have been the government’s foremost priority during such a critical period.

The BJD chief highlighted the plight of residents in districts such as Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Dhenkanal and Sambalpur, among others, where floodwaters have disrupted daily life. He also expressed grief over reports of multiple deaths linked to the floods.

Accusing the government of failing to respond effectively, Patnaik alleged that complaints regarding administrative lapses were increasing instead of visible relief efforts reaching affected communities.

Recalling Odisha’s long-standing disaster management approach under the principle of “Every Life is Valuable,” he said the state had earned national and international recognition for its handling of natural calamities in the past. He alleged that the present administration had failed to uphold that legacy by not responding adequately to the ongoing flood situation.

Patnaik urged the state government to act with urgency, remain sensitive to the suffering of flood victims and ensure that all necessary assistance reaches the affected areas without delay.