Full menu in empty kitchen: Naveen Patnaik slams Odisha budget

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presented the annual state budget for 2026‑27 with a historic outlay of Rs 3.10 lakh crore , aiming to accelerate development, welfare, and inclusive growth across the state. While the government hailed it as a roadmap for a Viksit Odisha by 2036 , opposition leaders voiced strong criticism.

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik described the budget as “ a full menu in an empty kitchen ,” questioning the feasibility of delivering on ambitious allocations amid rising debt. BJD MLA Arun Sahoo warned that while the budget appears “elephant-like,” its execution risks being “ant-like,” noting that the state’s debt is projected at Rs 1,55,710 crore , or 14.1 per cent of GSDP , by March 2027. The Congress party , which staged a walkout during the CM’s speech, echoed concerns, citing underutilisation of funds. Congress legislature party leader Rama Chandra Kadam highlighted that during the current financial year, 43 per cent of allocated funds remain unspent , and 22 departments failed to utilise even half their budgetary allocation.

Despite the criticism, state BJP president Manmohan Samal defended the budget, describing it as “historic” and development-oriented. He emphasised priority for agriculture, tourism, irrigation, flood control, health, education, industry, sports, skill development, and food security , while promoting Odia culture . Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan also backed the plan, stating it will meet the aspirations of all sections of society and support youth employment.

The budget includes 16 new initiatives and major allocations across sectors. Education received Rs 42,565 crore , including model primary schools, heritage Odia-medium revitalisation, scholarships for over 22 lakh SC/ST/OBC students, and four new greenfield universities at Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda. Health was allocated Rs 23,182 crore , including 5,000 new inpatient beds, 1,000 ICU beds, burn units, and five new medical colleges offering Ayurvedic and homeopathic courses.

Rural development was strengthened with Rs 44,309 crore , improving all-weather roads under Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana, bridges, irrigation, and Mission PoWaR for last-mile connectivity. The DALKHAI programme received Rs 220 crore to curb seasonal migration by creating sustainable livelihoods.

Other sectoral highlights include Rs 1,000 crore for NaMo and Atal Express roads , upgrades to cybersecurity infrastructure with Rs 89 crore, enhanced grain storage facilities, 100 Smart Farm Markets, and development of Puri as a premier religious tourism hub , including a Jagannath Interpretation Centre and marine aquarium. The budget also supports agriculture, fisheries, tourism, social security schemes, and skill development programs , reflecting a balanced development approach.