More Focus on Publicity Than Work? Questions Rise on BJP Government's Development in Odisha

More Focus on Publicity Than Work? Questions Rise on BJP Government's Development in Odisha #OdishaPolitics #BJPGovernment #MohanMajhi #ModiGovernment #PublicityOverPerformance #TaxpayerMoney #AdvertisementSpending #OdiaAsmita #AyushmanBharat #BSKY #TempleReforms #IllegalImmigrants #OdishaDevelopment #RuralRoads #PoliticalAccountability #GovernanceMatters #ElectionPromises #PanchayatElections #CitizensVoice #bjpvsbjd The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is now in power in Odisha. But instead of focusing on development, the party seems more interested in advertising its achievements. Recently, a meeting was held at the BJP’s state office to discuss how to promote the 11 years of the Modi government at the Centre and 1 year of the Mohan Majhi government in Odisha. Following this, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi held a press meet and said, “It’s a story of one year.” But people are asking—what has the government achieved in this one year? Whenever questions were raised, the common reply was, “It’s under consideration.” Double Standards on Advertisement Spending When BJP was in the opposition, it had strongly criticized the UPA government for spending Rs 2,658 crore on advertisements between 2010 and 2014. But after coming to power, the BJP government at the Centre spent Rs 5,000 crore just between 2014 and 2018—Rs 104 crore every month. Now in the 2024–25 budget, Rs 1,555 crore has been kept for advertisements—Rs 125 crore every month. In Odisha, BJP leader Majhi himself said that from January 2023 to May 2024, the state government spent Rs 33.71 crore on advertisements—Rs 2 crore per month. Out of this, Rs 15.26 crore was spent on promoting Pandian’s programs alone. Now people are asking—has this spending reduced after BJP came to power in Odisha? No clear information has been shared. But out of the Rs 160 crore given to the Information and Public Relations Department this year, Rs 86 crore is for promotion and advertisements. The Tourism Department is also spending a large amount on ads. Where is the Work? The state government says it is working on its promises—like the Subhadra scheme, OBC reservations, temple reforms, ration cards, and health cards. But people say only the names and colors of schemes have changed—no real work is visible. Example: The Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), which helped many get medical treatment, has been stopped. Now only the central Ayushman Bharat card is valid. But many people are still facing problems getting Ayushman cards, and some are using their old BSKY cards in hospitals. Pending Issues Jagannath Temple Reforms: Issues like orderly darshan and jewelry counting are still pending. Illegal Immigrants: The number of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants is increasing in places like Kendrapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, and even Bhubaneswar. But the government is not taking action. Odia Asmita Fund: Rs 200 crore was announced in July 2024 for Odia culture. But after 10 months, the money is still unused. A committee was just formed recently. Developed Villages Scheme: The government promised Rs 5,000 crore for rural road development. But there is no data on how many villages still lack proper roads. Everything is said to be "under consideration." What Are People Saying? People are beginning to feel that the current government is more focused on publicity than actual work. Many say if this continues, BJP may lose the next panchayat elections just like BJD did earlier.