BJD MP Sasmit Patra Criticizes BJP for Ignoring Odisha’s Special Category Status Demand

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra on Tuesday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for not addressing Odisha’s long-standing demand for special category status. He expressed disappointment over the lack of discussion on the issue in both the Union Budget and the subsequent budget reply.

“There was no discussion on the special category status for Odisha. This has been a long-pending demand, yet neither the budget nor the response to it addressed this crucial issue,” Patra said.

Questioning the BJP’s stance, he pointed out that despite having a "double-engine government"—referring to BJP-led governments at both the Centre and in Odisha—there has been no movement on granting the state the special status. “If they have their government in Odisha, why do they object to giving the state the special category status?” he asked.

Odisha has been demanding special category status due to its vulnerability to natural disasters, economic challenges, and developmental needs. The status would grant the state additional financial assistance and tax benefits. However, successive central governments have been reluctant to approve the demand.