- On one hand, the government promotes the “Drug-Free India” slogan; on the other, it plans to reopen liquor shops.
- Attempts to take credit for job appointments actually processed by the previous BJD government.
- Total disappointment for youth in the sports sector.
Bhubaneswar, 21/09/2025:Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) President ChinmayaSahoo has strongly criticized the current BJP-led state government, stating that even after 15 months in power, the government has shown no vision or roadmap for youth development, resulting in widespread neglect and frustration among the youth of the State.
Speaking at a press conference at ShankhaBhawan, Mr. Sahoo said unemployment and joblessness have reached a peak in the state. He alleged that the government lacks any concrete youth policy and has no structured plan for empowering the youth.
He pointed out the hypocrisy of the government, which, while organizing marathons under the slogan of “NashaMukt Bharat” (Drug-Free India), has simultaneously decided to reopen nearly 70 liquor shops in the state that were previously shut down by the BJD government. Notably, many of these outlets are located near educational institutions and religious places. Mr. Sahoo claimed this exposes the double standards of the government and proves the anti-drug slogan is nothing more than a farce.
Mr. Sahoo further said that the BJP’s pre-election promises have turned into betrayals. The BJP had promised to fill 1.5 lakh vacant government posts within two years, but in the last 15 months, only 57,000 appointments have been claimed. However, he clarified that even those jobs were part of recruitment processes initiated during the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government. The current government, he alleged, is merely distributing appointment letters and taking undue credit.
He also highlighted that several recruitment exams held in the last 15 months were marred by serious irregularities, with at least 15 exams facing major controversies.
On the industrial and economic front, Sahoo pointed out that while the state government had claimed an investment inflow of ₹16 lakh crore, not a single major project has been grounded so far. In fact, many companies that had signed MoUs with the previous BJD government are now reportedly leaving Odisha, according to media reports.
In the sports sector, Odisha had gained national and international recognition under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership through infrastructure development and hosting of prestigious events. However, according to Mr. Sahoo, the current scenario reflects a downturn, leaving sports enthusiasts and youth disheartened.
Similarly, in the tourism sector, Odisha had made significant progress in the earlier BJD Government Period, but now, due to deteriorating law and order, countries like the USA have issued advisories against travel to Odisha. This has caused a decline in tourist footfall and affected the livelihoods of people dependent on tourism.
Mr. Sahoo also slammed the government for women’s safety, saying that while it organizes marathons in the name of empowerment, the reality is that crimes against women, including gang rapes and violence, are increasing rapidly ironically, at marathon speed.
He concluded by issuing a warning to the state government: if it continues to ignore the interests of the youth, the youth of Odisha will be compelled to take to the streets. The BYJD also announced plans to soon organize a Youth Unemployment Convention to raise their voice for the rights of jobless youth in the state.
