The opposition party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) asserted on Friday that Odisha’s fifth-place standing in the NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index reflects more than two decades of industrial reforms and fiscal responsibility established under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. They accused the BJP government of wrongfully taking credit for this accomplishment.
During a press conference, former minister and BJD MLA Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra, along with party spokesperson Dr. Lenin Mohanty, stated that this recognition is a source of pride for all Odias. However, they criticized the BJP for attempting to claim this achievement as a result of its two-year governance.
BJD representatives emphasized that Odisha’s rise as a top investment hub is attributed to 24 years of stable governance, consistent policies, and reforms favorable to investors initiated by the previous BJD administration.
They highlighted the efforts made under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, including the enhancement of ports and logistics infrastructure, the promotion of industrial corridors and related industries, the implementation of a clear single-window clearance system, and the advancement of skill development through initiatives such as the World Skill Centre.
Mishra noted that these strategies have successfully attracted investments across various sectors, including steel, aluminium, mining, petrochemicals, manufacturing, electronics, IT, food processing, textiles, and services.
Referring to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), he claimed that in 2019, Odisha became the top destination for investment proposals in the country.
He went on to point out that despite the BJP announcing investment proposals worth nearly Rs 3 lakh crore since taking office, there has been a lack of substantial industrial projects or the establishment of new industrial corridors, rendering their claims regarding the NITI Aayog recognition unfounded.
Mohanty added that the state’s ranking is indicative of years of fiscal discipline, transparent governance, and stable policies under the BJD administration. He accused the BJP of seeking to appropriate the previous government’s accomplishments through media campaigns rather than focusing on new industrialization efforts.
He also mentioned that Naveen Patnaik had congratulated the state government on this recent ranking, attributing it to years of strategic planning and consistent industrial policy.
In conclusion, the BJD urged the BJP government to shift its focus towards attracting new investments, establishing new industries, creating jobs, and enhancing the state’s fiscal management, rather than claiming credit for initiatives started by the previous administration.
