Bhubaneswar: BJD president Naveen Patnaik Friday alleged that the tribal people are the “most neglected” under the BJP government in Odisha.
Patnaik said this when the BJD’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) Cell members met him after holding its first meeting.
“Schemes for tribal welfare such as ‘Separate Development Council’, ‘Anwesa’ (student scholarship) and others are not being implemented by the BJP government. The BJD people should raise their voice and move forward with determination for the tribes,” the BJD chief said.
A BJP spokesperson, however, rejected the allegations and claimed that BJD was “sinking” and therefore “spreading falsehood to mislead people”.
The BJD ST Cell head, former minister Sudam Marandi, apprised Patnaik of the various challenges faced by tribal communities in the state. The discussion covered the increasing crimes against tribal women and the implications of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, a statement issued by the party said.
“Concerns were expressed that the new mining law could adversely affect the rights, livelihoods and land of tribal communities residing in mining-affected areas, as well as the development of tribal-dominated regions,” the BJD said, adding that the meeting also recalled the various significant initiatives undertaken for tribal welfare, empowerment and development during Patnaik’s government.