Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will continue to fight against the central government’s atrocities and safeguard the interests of Odisha as a strong regional party, said its President Naveen Patnaik.
Speaking at the 28th foundation day celebration of the Biju Janata Dal held at the party’s headquarters, Shankha Bhawan, on Thursday, Patnaik affirmed that the party would continue to serve the people of Odisha for the next hundred years.
Expressing his gratitude to party workers, he stated that the BJD has become a strong regional force due to the love and support of the people of Odisha and the relentless efforts of its members.
Recalling the party’s inception, Patnaik said, “On this day, December 26, 1997, Biju enthusiasts united to establish the Biju Janata Dal, inspired by the ideals and vision of Biju Babu. At that time, many doubted the party’s survival. Some even believed it would neither grow nor succeed.
“However, thanks to your hard work and the blessings of the people of Odisha, Biju Janata Dal has won five elections and has had the privilege of serving the state,” Patnaik stated.
Highlighting the BJD government’s achievements over the past 24 years, he said, “Our government has introduced Odisha to the world as a strong and prosperous state. Once reliant on food grains from other states, Odisha now exports food internationally and has become a model state in disaster management.
“In 2000, the state was struggling with an overdraft, but today it boasts a budget surplus. Odisha is a leader in women’s empowerment, financial discipline, and is recognized as the Sports Capital of the world.”
Addressing concerns about the recent election defeat, Patnaik remarked, “I know many people question how we lost the last election. Let me clarify: we did not lose. We did not lose the trust of the people.
“The BJP came to power through lies, false promises, and by misleading the public. Despite this, the BJP received fewer votes than us. Our mistake was failing to counter their lies and negative campaigns effectively, especially on social media,”the BJD supremo remarked
Patnaik urged party workers to remain active on social media and counter the BJP’s false narratives. “The people of Odisha now understand that the BJP seized power through deception,” he said.
