By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The BJD (Biju Janata Dal) held a major farmers’ protest rally on Tuesday in Bhubaneswar, known as the “Chasi Surakhya Samabesh” (Farmers’ Protection/Safety Gathering).
It took place at Lower PMG near the Odisha Assembly building). This was the culmination of statewide BJD agitations that began on February 2, 2026, against the BJP-led Mohan Majhi government’s handling of farmers’ issues.
The protest focused on: Alleged complete collapse/mismanagement of the paddy procurement system (delays in buying, unauthorized deductions known as “katani chhatani,” delayed payments to farmers, fertilizer shortages, and complaints being ignored by officials).Deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Thousands of farmers, party workers, women, and youth from across Odisha participated in this large demonstration on the streets near the Assembly. Senior BJD leaders, including Naveen Patnaik, were present.
Naveen Patnaik, BJD president and Leader of Opposition, personally led the demonstration and addressed the massive gathering. He launched a strong, scathing attack on the current BJP government, contrasting it with his own party’s past farmer-friendly policies.
Key points and quotes from his speech:
He criticized the government’s hollow rhetoric: “This government chants ‘Jai Kisan’ as a slogan, but in practice, it says ‘Bhago Kisan’ (run away, farmer).” He accused them of ignoring farmers despite promises.
“Governments cannot run on stories and slogans. People want service, not lectures from leaders.” / “The people need service, not speeches.”
He highlighted BJD’s achievements during its rule (separate agriculture budget, KALIA scheme, irrigation, credit facilities) and slammed the current regime for failures after nearly two years in power, including delayed fertilizer supply, irregular procurement, deductions, and non-payments.
Patnaik revealed he had written a letter to the Chief Minister 15 days earlier with concrete solutions (e.g., special squads to stop illegal deductions, breaking miller-official nexus, removing the 150-quintal input subsidy ceiling, ensuring DBT payments within 48 hours, and procuring open-stored paddy within 72 hours), but received no response or action.
He broadened the attack to law and order: Farmers’ rights are denied, women feel insecure, youth face unemployment, and there have been repeated exam paper leaks.
He vowed that the BJD would continue its fight for farmers and “wake the government from its Kumbhakarna-like slumber” (referring to deep sleep/indifference). The party would intensify agitation if issues remain unresolved.
Videos from the event show Patnaik actively addressing the crowd and leading the protest.The rally was projected as a show of strength for BJD to reclaim rural support amid ongoing farmer distress. No major clashes or arrests were prominently reported in initial coverage. BJP leaders have previously dismissed similar protests, but no immediate reaction from the government to today’s event is detailed yet.
