Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India] June 22 (ANI): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Bhrugu Baxipatra has criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- led government for its performance in Odisha during its first year, claiming that the state has not received any substantial benefits.

Speaking to the ANI, Baxipatra highlighted that the grant allocated to Odisha has decreased compared to the previous year. He also claimed that several major schemes, including the PM Awas Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission, have been allocated zero funds.

'One year has been completed, but Odisha received no benefits... The grant that Odisha had to get decreased since last year... Multiple schemes have zero money like PM Awas Yojna, Jal Jeevan Mission...', Baxipatra said on Saturday.

The BJD leader also expressed concern over the rising incidents of crimes against women and children in the state, with 15 rapes reported daily and over 26,000 FIRs filed in the past year.

'In the last year, Odisha has topped in atrocities on women and children. 15 rapes are happening each day and 26 to 28 thousand FIRs have been filed,' he added.

Further, the BJD leader also expressed concern over the state's health crisis, citing the deaths of over 100 people from cholera and diarrhoea. He claimed that investment in the state has come to a standstill, with a significant drop from Rs 37,000 crores last year to just Rs 40 crores this year. Baxipatra also criticised the BJP government's vision for the state.

'Over 100 people have died from Cholera and Diarrhoea in the state... Investment has stopped - investment of Rs 37,000 crores came in last year, while not even Rs 40 crore was received this year, and Jharkhand has surpassed us in this... We worry that the truth of the state is not somehow reaching the Prime Minister.', Baxipatra stated.

The BJD leader slammed the BJP government, saying it lacks vision. 'Odisha has witnessed 16% growth under Naveen Patnaik and according to the present vision document, there will be only 9% growth in 2036 when the state completes 100 years. The government has no vision, it does not know how to function, has no experience in administration and it is not ready to learn... They should take a tutorial class to run this government,' he said.

Earlier, it was announced that in the absence of former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, the duties of the party office will be managed by its Political Affairs Committee.

Additionally, Debi Prasad Mishra, Senior Vice President, Headquarters, will oversee the coordination of activities and programmes. The former CM has announced that he will undergo a medical procedure for cervical arthritis in Mumbai.

In an office order issued on Wednesday, Patnaik stated that during his absence, the day-to-day affairs of the BJD will be managed by the party's Political Affairs Committee.

Additionally, Debi Prasad Mishra, Senior Vice President, Headquarters, has been entrusted with coordinating activities and programmes between the various wings of the party. (ANI)