Naveen Patnaik slams govt at Biju Janata Dal Farmers’ rally, says ‘Jai Kisan in slogan, bhago kisan in action’

Speech of Shri Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition, at the BJD Farmers’ Rally at Lower PMG Bhubaneshwar. This government gives the slogan “Jai Kisan,” but in action it is “Bhago Kisan.”

A government does not run on stories; it needs work. People want service, not sermons from leaders. If the problems of farmers are not resolved, the Biju Janata Dal will shake this government out of its deep slumber.

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Very soon this government will complete two years. This government is neither able to take proper decisions nor able to implement them. During the elections, they made tall claims. They made long promises. But nothing has been delivered.

The BJD government had introduced a separate budget for farmers. It had launched the KALIA scheme. It had provided loan facilities. It had ensured irrigation facilities. But what has this double-engine government done?

Farmers are not getting fertilizers. The government is not procuring paddy properly. “Katni-Chhatni” (illegal deductions in procurement) is increasing. Farmers are not getting their payments on time. When they complain, the government says the farmers are lying.

I had written a letter to the government regarding farmers’ issues. I had requested them to sincerely fulfil their election promises. I had proposed:
• Form a special squad to stop Katni-Chhatni.
• Break the nexus between millers and government officials.
• Remove the 150-quintal ceiling from input subsidy.
• Ensure payment to farmers through DBT within 48 hours.
• Procure paddy lying in the open within 72 hours.

It is unfortunate that 15 days have passed, but nothing has been done. Hundreds of crores are being spent on publicity, but nothing for farmers?

For the last eight days, BJD has been fighting in the Assembly for farmers’ issues. But this government has no concern for farmers.
In slogans it is “Jai Kisan,” but in action it is “Bhago Kisan.”

It is better not to even speak about law and order. No one in this state is safe. Farmers are not getting their rights. Mothers are not getting security. The youth are not getting jobs. Every exam paper is getting leaked. This government cannot even organise a single exam properly. The suffering of common people is not ending. What is this government doing?

People need service, not sermons from leaders. A government does not run on stories; it requires work.

The Biju Janata Dal will continue its fight for the rights of farmers and will shake this government out of its deep Kumbhakarna-like sleep.