Bhubaneswar: BJD parliamentary party convened at Naveen Niwas on Tuesday, with Party supremo and leader of opposition Naveen Patnaik chairing a crucial pre-budget session meeting.
The meeting, attended by all seven BJD Rajya Sabha members, started on a celebratory note as members congratulated Patnaik for steering Odisha to the top position in fiscal management nationwide, as per a recent survey.
According to the NITI Aayog Fiscal Health Index Report-2025, Odisha achieved the highest overall fiscal health score of 67.8% in 2022-23, marking a remarkable turnaround from the state’s financial bankruptcy in 2000.
During the meeting, Patnaik emphasised the importance of advocating for Odisha’s interests in Parliament, urging MPs to be strong voices for the state’s 4.5 crore residents. “Each MP must fight for the rights and dignity of our people,” Patnaik said.
The party leadership outlined key issues for the upcoming budget session, with special category status for Odisha taking precedence. Other critical matters on the agenda include rising prices and inflation.
BJD MPs are also likely to take up other issues, including unemployment concerns, farmers’ issues, Polavaram and Mahanadi disputes, coal royalty, green tax implementation, national highway development, and tribal welfare initiatives.