Chief Minister’s Delhi Trip Sparks Criticism Amid Flood Crisis

As floodwaters continue to inundate large parts of Odisha, the chief minister’s decision to travel to New Delhi has become a flashpoint for the opposition. BJD president Naveen Patnaik used social media to argue that the state’s leadership is absent while citizens battle rising waters in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Dhenkanal and Sambalpur. He reminded the public that Odisha has a strong record of disaster management, yet the current response appears lackluster. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari defended the trip, stating the chief minister was attending a crucial meeting on the Ganges water dispute—a matter the BJD could not resolve during its tenure. He also noted that officials are in continuous contact with elected representatives from the 20 worst‑hit districts, including members of the opposition, to keep a close eye on relief operations.