Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Friday accused the BJP-led Odisha government of damaging the state's reputation within two-and-a-half years of coming to power. Addressing the party's Jana Sampark Padyatra in the Bhubaneswar North Assembly constituency, Patnaik criticised the administration's performance and questioned its governance. He maintained that Odisha had made significant developmental progress during the BJD's 24-year tenure and alleged that the current government had weakened the state's image.

The outreach programme was organised to mark the birth anniversary of noted Odia freedom fighter Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das. During his address, Patnaik reiterated that the BJD's political approach was centred on public service and development. He described the BJP administration as incompetent and criticised what he termed the failures of the state's “double-engine government”, referring to the BJP-led governments at the state and central levels.

Patnaik also urged BJD workers to communicate the Opposition party's criticism of the government's policies directly to the public. He asked party members to visit households and create awareness about what the BJD considers shortcomings in the administration. At the beginning of the programme, Patnaik paid floral tributes to Gopabandhu Das and former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, whose political legacy remains central to the regional party's identity.

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Several BJD leaders participated in the gathering and criticised the state government's alleged anti-people policies. Those who addressed the programme included former minister Ashok Panda, legislators Sushant Rout and Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das and Manmath Routray. Local corporators were also present, reflecting the party's efforts to mobilise its organisational network and strengthen contact with residents.

The Jana Sampark Padyatra began on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, and is scheduled to continue until November 2. The BJD has positioned the campaign as an opportunity to connect with people, communicate its political position and reinforce its presence across constituencies while in Opposition. The programme forms part of the party's broader efforts to challenge the BJP government and consolidate support at the grassroots level.

Separately, BJD Rajya Sabha member Santrupt Misra described the Jana Sampark Yatra as an important exercise in strengthening the party organisation and maintaining direct engagement with the public. He noted that the party had continued the initiative even when it was in power and would sustain it in Opposition. The BJD leadership is seeking to use the month-long campaign to reinforce its organisational structure and present its assessment of the government's performance to voters.

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