Bhubaneswar: Reacting to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik’s criticism of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday hit back at Patnaik, accusing him of making remarks without being present on the ground.

Pujari said he is in constant touch with MLAs across party lines, including BJD, BJP, and Congress, in around 20 districts affected by a flood-like situation. He added public representatives and Panchayati Raj department officials are actively working on the ground, irrespective of political affiliations.

The reaction came after Naveen Patnaik, in a post on X, alleged amid the grim flood situation in the state, BJP leaders along with the Chief Minister were “feasting in Delhi.” He had urged the ruling party leaders to stand by the people and address their concerns instead of being away from the state.

Launching a sharp counterattack, Pujari questioned Patnaik’s absence from the ground. “People of Odisha made him Chief Minister for nearly 25 years. But where is he now when the state needs leadership?” he asked.

'CM Majhi in Delhi to attend tripartite meeting'

Highlighting the government’s efforts, Pujari clarified the Chief Minister is in New Delhi to attend a crucial meeting on water-sharing issues with Chhattisgarh. He alleged such key discussions were not taken up during the previous BJD regime, leaving the matter unresolved.

He further informed a tripartite meeting involving the Union Jal Shakti Minister and the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh is being held to address the issue. The Chief Secretary is also in Delhi for the same purpose and remains in regular communication with the state administration.

Calling it a matter of “Raj Dharma,” Pujari urged Patnaik to understand the context before criticising the government.

The minister emphasised the current administration follows the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas” and is working collectively with representatives from all parties, including BJD MLAs, to tackle the situation.

“Before criticising others, Naveen Babu should reflect on his 24 years in power. This is not the time for political remarks but for united action,” Pujari said, urging the opposition to cooperate in serving the people.