📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Naveen Patnaik
Politics
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Blames BJP for Favoritism in ‘Double‑Engine’ Government
✍️ Kanak News Odisha
🗓 15 Oct 2026, 04:01 AM
👁 9
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP of steering the state’s double‑engine administration to benefit its own cadre, saying the alliance is skewed in favour of the party.
In a recent public statement, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the state’s so‑called double‑engine government is being used to advance BJP interests. Patnaik said the alliance, which brings together the Biju Janata Dal and the BJP, should function impartially for the benefit of all citizens, but he observed a pattern of preferential treatment toward the BJP cadre.
He highlighted instances where policy decisions and appointments appeared to favour the BJP, suggesting that such bias undermines the coalition’s credibility. Patnaik warned that continued favoritism could erode public trust and destabilise the partnership between the two parties.
The chief minister called for greater transparency and a balanced approach in governance, urging the BJP to respect the coalition’s shared agenda rather than pursuing partisan gains. He reiterated his commitment to the development agenda of Odisha, emphasizing that political considerations must not override the welfare of the people.
Patnaik’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over the effectiveness of the double‑engine model, with opposition parties and civil society groups also questioning its impact on governance.
The statement adds a new dimension to the political discourse in the state, as both allies navigate the challenges of maintaining a united front while addressing internal criticisms.
He highlighted instances where policy decisions and appointments appeared to favour the BJP, suggesting that such bias undermines the coalition’s credibility. Patnaik warned that continued favoritism could erode public trust and destabilise the partnership between the two parties.
The chief minister called for greater transparency and a balanced approach in governance, urging the BJP to respect the coalition’s shared agenda rather than pursuing partisan gains. He reiterated his commitment to the development agenda of Odisha, emphasizing that political considerations must not override the welfare of the people.
Patnaik’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over the effectiveness of the double‑engine model, with opposition parties and civil society groups also questioning its impact on governance.
The statement adds a new dimension to the political discourse in the state, as both allies navigate the challenges of maintaining a united front while addressing internal criticisms.