Bhubaneswar, December 18: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced a large-scale demonstration in Bhubaneswar on January 6, 2024, in protest against the rising prices of essential commodities and other critical issues impacting the public.
Ahead of its 28th foundation day on December 26, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik addressed party members, urging them to stay committed to the welfare of the people of Odisha. Patnaik criticized the "anti-people policies" of the BJP government, particularly its failure to curb inflation, which has severely affected the poor and middle-class families in the state.
In an open letter to party functionaries, Patnaik emphasized the party's longstanding commitment to Odisha's progress over the past 27 years, and reaffirmed BJD's resolve to continue serving the people under the ideology of Biju Patnaik. He urged party members to raise concerns regarding the BJP government’s inability to control inflation in various forums.
To mark its foundation day, BJD will hold celebrations in all Assembly constituencies, reiterating its pledge to the progress of Odisha. Patnaik also extended New Year greetings, emphasizing that the party would continue to voice the concerns of the people.
Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra announced that over 5,000 party members would participate in the January 6 demonstration, focusing on the soaring prices of essentials.
Mishra criticized the BJP’s “double-engine government” slogan, calling it a “double failure” at both the state and central levels.
Key issues to be raised at the demonstration include the escalating costs of essential items such as LPG cylinders, petrol, diesel, vegetables, edible oils, and pulses. These price hikes have put immense financial pressure on families, said Snehangini Chhuria, convenor of Biju Mahila Janata Dal.
The BJD leadership has signaled that the party will continue its demonstrations in the coming months, focusing on the Polavaram Dam issue, and strengthening its advocacy for the people of Odisha.
