BJD accuses Odisha govt of bias in declaring NACs

Bhubaneswar, Sept 2 (UNI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today accused the BJP-led Odisha government of implementing a discriminatory approach in announcing new Notified Area Councils (NACs) in the state.
BJD vice president Debi Prasad Mishra said that during the tenure of former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, 57 NACs were proclaimed across various districts in February-March 2024.

These NACs, he added, were declared in accordance with the Odisha Municipalities Act, 1950, based on reports from District Collectors and duly published through gazette notifications.

Mishra alleged that the BJP government’s tenure was marked by delayed approvals of previously declared NACs and the introduction of new ones raising concerns about selective and discriminatory decision-making.
He expressed surprise that even after 15 months, the new government was unable to issue a single gazette notification for any NAC. On the occasion of Self-Governance Day yesterday, the government announced 16 new NACs and 7 municipalities, while ignoring 39 of the 57 NACs declared by the previous BJD-led government.

Criticizing the decision, Mishra said it was “deeply disappointing” that only 18 of the 57 NACs were retained, while 39 were overlooked. He added that regions such as Kantabanji, which had been proposed for upgradation to a municipality, were not considered at all.

The BJD leader said immediate recognition must be given to the 39 excluded regions, as the selective approach has triggered widespread public resentment. “If NAC status is not granted immediately, the Biju Janata Dal will not remain a passive observer and will demonstrate publicly,” Mishra said.

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