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 Chinmaya
Sahoo 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 Shankha Bhawan, 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 “Nasha Mukt 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.
