BJD Slams BJP’s 'Double-Engine' Governance as Odisha Sees Sharp Dip in Central Grants

The BJD criticized the BJP’s “double-engine” government in Odisha after central grants dropped by 18%. The fall follows poor fund utilization and spending delays across state departments. In contrast, grants had risen under the BJD. BJP leaders blamed technical delays, but opposition leaders cited governance failure and unfulfilled development promises.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has strongly criticized the BJP-led Odisha government after central grants to the state dropped by 18.19% in 2024-25, a year after the BJP won the state on promises of fast-tracked development through a “double-engine” government at both the Centre and state levels.

Data shows that under the previous BJD administration, central grants rose by over 15% in 2023-24 compared to the previous year, credited to stronger planning and timely expenditure. In contrast, the current government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has faced backlash for its failure to utilize available funds effectively, resulting in lower disbursements from the Centre.

Central funding to key schemes like PMAY-Rural and Jal Jeevan Mission saw drastic cuts. PMAY-Rural allocations plunged from ₹4,310 crore to ₹825 crore, while funding under Jal Jeevan Mission dropped from ₹1,581 crore to ₹368 crore. Similar declines were recorded in other flagship schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and Krishi Sichayi Yojana.

A government review earlier this year found that 16 out of 44 departments had used less than half of their budgets by January, with some like disaster management spending as little as 13.5%.

BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra accused the Majhi government of failing to govern, claiming it had merely renamed old BJD schemes. He questioned why a party with the same leadership at both state and Centre was now unable to secure or spend grants effectively.

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BJP MLA Akash Dasnayak defended the government, calling the drop an “aberration” and attributing some cuts to pending beneficiary surveys. He maintained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains committed to Odisha’s development.