Naveen Patnaik criticizes the BJP budget for rebranding BJD schemes and failing to meet promises on free electricity and pensions.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a sharp critique of the state budget, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has accused the BJP of merely rebranding initiatives originally launched by the BJD government, rather than introducing new and transformative policies.
Patnaik Labels BJP Budget as “Name-Changer” Rather Than “Game-Changer”
During a session in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Patnaik lambasted the BJP-led government for adopting over 80% of the BJD's schemes and presenting them as their own. He argued that the BJP’s budget is essentially a repackaging of existing BJD programs under new names, which he termed as a “name-changer” or “color-changing” budget rather than a true “game-changer.”
Criticism of BJP’s Renaming of Existing Schemes
Patnaik emphasized that the BJP's budget reflects a mere renaming of 45 existing schemes, rather than introducing significant new initiatives. He criticized the budget for its lack of originality and called out the BJP for failing to meet their electoral promises. According to Patnaik, 80% of the budget's provisions are recycled from the BJD's previously implemented and successful schemes, showcasing their effectiveness and progressive nature.
Concerns Over Insufficient Funds for Election Promises
The former Chief Minister also raised concerns regarding the remaining 20% of the budget, which is allocated for fulfilling BJP’s election manifesto commitments. He questioned the adequacy of these funds, particularly in light of several promises made by the BJP during their campaign. Among the contested promises are provisions for free electricity to one crore households and increased pension benefits.
Discrepancies in Budget Allocations for Women and Pensioners
Patnaik highlighted discrepancies in the BJP's budget allocations versus their promises, noting that the funds earmarked for women's welfare and pension schemes fall short of what was pledged. He specifically pointed out that while the BJP promised substantial increases in pension amounts, the actual budget allocation is insufficient to cover the needs of approximately 50 lakh pensioners.
Challenges to BJP’s Free Electricity and Pension Promises
Additionally, Patnaik criticized the BJP's promise of providing free electricity to one crore households, stating that the budget only allows for free electricity to 3 lakh homes. He challenged the BJP to meet their commitments and expressed skepticism about their ability to deliver on these promises. Patnaik urged voters not to be misled by what he described as the BJP’s misleading claims and emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable for its promises.
Patnaik Calls for Transparency and Accountability
In conclusion, Patnaik's remarks underline a broader critique of the BJP’s budgetary measures, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in fulfilling electoral commitments.
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