BJD MP Sasmit Patra criticized the 2026 Union Budget for neglecting Odisha’s demands despite its BJP support and frequent disasters.

BJD MP Sasmit Patra criticized the Union Budget 2026 for ignoring Odisha’s demands, including special category status and revised coal royalty, and excluding the state from major infrastructure projects like high-speed rail and freight corridors despite frequent natural disasters. He highlighted ongoing farmer struggles with capped procurement, non-opening of mandis, and incomplete produce lifting, noting that rare earth minerals benefits favor industries over farmers. Despite Odisha’s strong BJP support, Patra said the state received no tangible development gains, and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik has urged the Union government to address these concerns. The budget, presented on February 1, focused on national infrastructure expansion but made no specific provisions for Odisha.