The Odisha assembly’s halls may have echoed with applause for the 2026-27 state budget, but outside, opposition voices rang louder with condemnation. BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik set the tone, branding Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s fiscal blueprint as a ‘full menu in an empty kitchen’ – flashy on paper, hollow in reality.
Patnaik’s metaphor captured the essence of widespread discontent. In interactions with the media, he questioned the budget’s substance amid lofty rhetoric. BJD’s Divya Shankar Mishra amplified the attack, decrying the lack of innovative policies, transparent funding, and actionable employment strategies.
‘Despite dragging on for nearly two hours, the speech introduced no groundbreaking initiatives,’ Mishra observed. He flagged multiple schemes devoid of budget lines or implementation plans, particularly those aimed at women, marginalized communities, and social upliftment.
‘Many programs lack any financial commitment – a critical flaw. Vulnerable groups like SCs and STs get no dedicated schemes, women’s programs are limited to cash handouts, and job creation remains untouched by fresh ideas,’ Mishra charged.
Congress leaders joined the chorus, with OPCC chief Bhakta Charan Das highlighting fiscal irresponsibility. ‘Boasting a massive budget means nothing when you’ve squandered only 57% of last year’s funds in 10 months. Over ₹20,000 crore pledged? It’s all show – big elephant, tiny spend,’ Das mocked.
This bipartisan backlash underscores deeper concerns about Odisha’s economic roadmap. As debates intensify, the ruling BJP faces pressure to back words with deeds, ensuring the ‘menu’ translates to real meals for the state’s 4.5 crore residents.