Union Budget 2024: Why Naveen Patnaik Is Disappointed with the Budget? All You Need To Know

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has labelled the Union Budget a "disappointment," citing the state's unmet demands for special category status while observing substantial allocations to Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, whose party was recently displaced by the BJP in the Odisha Assembly elections, expressed dissatisfaction over the Centre's rejection of Odisha's request for a revision of coal royalty, resulting in a projected annual loss of thousands of crores in revenue for the state, as reported by India Today.

Odisha's Patnaik Upset With Budget - Know Why

Patnaik criticized the Union Budget for its lack of significant provisions for Odisha. "There has been nothing substantial for Odisha over the years, and this Budget has also been a disappointment for us," stated the BJD supremo.

He pointed out that the BJP's manifesto had promised special category status for Odisha, a promise that has not been fulfilled. In contrast, special packages were announced for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Andhra Pradesh is set to receive Rs 15,000 crore for the development of its new capital, Amaravati, while Rs 26,000 crore has been allocated for road connectivity projects in Bihar, as reported by India Today.

Both states are governed by NDA allies, the TDP and JD(U) respectively. Patnaik also highlighted that Odisha's request for a special package for disaster management was ignored. Despite frequent natural disasters, including floods, which impact the state annually, the Centre has not addressed Odisha's genuine demands for disaster management support.

Further, Patnaik criticized the additional funds allocated for the Polavaram project, which were seen as an indication of the Centre's partiality, as per media reports. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had stated that the Centre was "fully committed to financing and early completion" of the Polavaram irrigation project, vital for Andhra Pradesh's agriculture.

Patnaik noted that no promises made during the election campaign for agriculture, MSME, and industry in Odisha had been addressed in the Budget. "Lots of big promises were made to the people of Odisha, especially for agriculture, MSME, and industry. There is no mention of any promise being fulfilled in this Budget, as per media reports. This is a complete neglect of Odisha and her people," he remarked.

However, the BJD chief acknowledged some positive aspects of the Budget, expressing satisfaction with the Centre's decision to provide assistance for the development of tourist attractions in Odisha.