BHUBANESWAR – The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), now in opposition, has accused Odisha’s new BJP-led government of creating an environment of uncertainty that is driving major Odisha industrial projects to competing states. The party alleges that a lack of policy direction since the new government took office has stalled investor confidence, directly contradicting the ruling party’s economic development promises.
BJD Levels Specific Allegations of Industrial Flight
The BJD has been vocal in its criticism, citing specific instances of companies allegedly reconsidering their investments in Odisha. At a recent press conference in Bhubaneswar, BJD national spokesperson Dr. Sasmit Patra claimed that several investors who had signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the previous government’s tenure are now exploring opportunities in states like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
“We are seeing a worrying trend where industries that were finalised for Odisha are now shifting base,” Dr. Patra stated. “There is a complete policy paralysis. The new government has failed to provide clarity or continue the momentum established by the Make in Odisha conclaves, creating a vacuum that other states are happily filling.”
The opposition party pointed to unconfirmed reports about a major green hydrogen and ammonia project potentially moving its proposed plant out of the state as a prime example of the deteriorating investment climate in Odisha.
State Government Refutes Claims, Assures Stability
In response to the BJD allegations, the new BJP government has dismissed the claims as politically motivated and baseless. State Industries Minister Prithviraj Harichandan assured that the government is fully committed to industrial growth and is actively engaging with all stakeholders.
“The allegations are nothing but an attempt by the opposition to create a false narrative,” Harichandan said in a statement released to the press. “Our government is reviewing all proposals to ensure transparency and faster implementation. We are building a robust ecosystem that will not just attract new investment but also retain existing partners. All ongoing Odisha industrial projects are secure.”
The government maintains that its focus is on streamlining the approval processes and removing bureaucratic hurdles that may have existed previously. Officials argue that a brief period of transition and review is normal for a new administration and should not be misinterpreted as policy inaction.
Context: The ‘Make in Odisha’ Legacy and Current Challenges
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of the previous BJD government’s flagship investment summit, Make in Odisha. Held multiple times over the past decade, the conclaves were credited with attracting investment pledges worth several lakh crores, particularly in the metals, mining, and green energy sectors. According to reports from the previous government, the 2022 edition alone secured investment intents worth over ₹10 lakh crore.
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However, policy experts note that converting investment pledges (MoUs) into grounded projects is a long-term challenge for any state. The process involves complex clearances, land acquisition, and infrastructure development, often taking several years.
Dr. Niranjan Sahoo, an economist specialising in regional development, commented, “The critical factor is not just signing MoUs, but the on-ground conversion rate. The new government’s primary challenge is to ensure that the bureaucratic and political machinery moves efficiently to translate these high-value proposals into reality.”
As the political debate continues, the industrial community is watching closely for clear policy signals from the new administration. The government’s ability to maintain the state’s competitive edge and reassure investors will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Odisha industrial projects in the coming years. Both the ruling party and the opposition are using the state’s economic future as a key issue in their political discourse.
