VK Pandian Highlights BJP’s ‘Self-Goals’ Bolstering BJD’s Electoral Prospects in Odisha

GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar, 28th May. VK Pandian, a key aide to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has enumerated a series of “self-goals” committed by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the ongoing Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly polls, asserting that these missteps will fortify the regional party’s electoral fortunes.

As the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections unfold concurrently in Odisha, Pandian contended that the BJP’s blunders have significantly bolstered the BJD’s position, paving the way for a potential sixth consecutive term in government.

Addressing the media, Pandian highlighted nine key missteps made by the BJP:

Dragging Lord Jagannath into Politics: Pandian criticized the BJP for involving Lord Jagannath in political discourse and using derogatory language against Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, a revered figure in Odisha.

Threat to Mission Shakti: He denounced the BJP’s manifesto pledge to shut down Mission Shakti, a women’s empowerment initiative, alleging that it has caused distress among the program’s 70 lakh members.

Discontinuation of Biju Swaasthya Kalyan Yojana: Pandian warned against the BJP’s purported plan to replace the Biju Swaasthya Kalyan Yojana with the Ayushman Bharat scheme, potentially depriving 90% of Odisha’s population of healthcare benefits.

Education Sector Policies: He accused the BJP of intending to halt various educational initiatives introduced by the BJD government, including scholarships for students and transformations in the school and university systems.

Special Development Councils (SDCs) for Tribals: Pandian raised concerns that the BJP might dismantle the BJD’s Special Development Councils, jeopardizing efforts to safeguard tribal languages and cultures.

Threat to Communal Harmony: He cautioned against potential disturbances to communal harmony and the imposition of illegal extortion practices on small businessmen, citing examples from BJP-ruled states.

MSP for Paddy: Pandian questioned the timing of the BJP’s announcement to provide MSP of ₹3,100 per quintal for paddy, insinuating political motives behind the sudden declaration.

Electricity Subsidy vs. Solar Power: He criticized the BJP’s contrasting narratives on free electricity and solar power schemes, likening the latter to the controversial Ujjwala scheme.

‘Subhadra Yojana’: Pandian dismissed BJP’s promise of ₹50,000 per woman under the ‘Subhadra Yojana’ as another empty pledge akin to the previously unfulfilled assurance of ₹15 lakh per family.