Odisha Flood Response Criticized by BJD for Political Focus of Chief Ministers Visit

Bhubaneswar, August 18: The opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has raised concerns regarding Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi’s recent visit to flood-affected areas in Odisha. They allege that the visit was more about gaining publicity than assessing relief efforts.

During a press conference held at Shankha Bhawan, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty stated that the state government has failed to deliver timely relief supplies to those affected by the floods. He claimed that essential items, such as dry food and other necessary relief materials, did not reach many impacted families on time.

Mohanty described the Chief Minister’s visit as akin to “rubbing salt into the wounds” of flood victims, noting that crucial relief supplies, including polyethylene sheets, were inadequately distributed in several affected regions.

He criticized the Chief Minister for being occupied with events and banquets in Delhi while many districts in Odisha were grappling with severe flooding. Mohanty emphasized the importance of visiting the most affected district, Jajpur, but suggested that the visit seemed more politically motivated than focused on listening to the victims’ concerns.

Additionally, Mohanty pointed out that BJD legislators Pramila Mallik and Sujata Sahu were waiting to meet the Chief Minister during his tour but were ignored. Instead, the Chief Minister toured the affected areas accompanied by BJP leaders.

He remarked, “The Chief Minister spent less time with the flood-affected people and more time at honor ceremonies.”

Mohanty also referenced a photograph of the state’s Higher Education Minister Suraj Surya Vanshi riding a motorcycle with the Chief Minister seated behind him, suggesting that this was merely for creating social media content. He raised concerns about the violation of traffic rules, questioning whether the state transport department would take any action regarding this incident.

The BJD spokesperson concluded by asserting that the state government has failed to meet the immediate needs of flood victims.

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