The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has taken a significant step in Odisha politics by forming a ‘shadow cabinet.’ This move aims to closely monitor the activities of various government departments under the BJP regime. The initiative, announced by BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik, involves 50 MLAs who have been assigned specific departments for scrutiny.
Purpose of the Shadow Cabinet
The shadow cabinet’s primary goal is to ensure vigilant and constructive opposition in the Odisha Assembly. By keeping an eye on government performance and participating actively in discussions, the BJD hopes to protect public interests and voice the concerns of the people. The party believes that a proactive opposition can play a crucial role in a democracy.
Assigned Departments and Responsibilities
Each MLA in the shadow cabinet has been assigned a specific department to monitor. Here are some notable assignments:
Revenue and Disaster Management: Ranendra Pratap Swain
Panchayatiraj: Pramila Mallik
Women and Child Development: Badri Narayan Patra
General Administration and Public Grievance: Pratap Deb
Home and Food Supply and Consumer Welfare: Niranjan Pujari
Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts: Aswini Kumar Patra
These leaders are expected to raise issues, demands, and grievances of the public in the Assembly and ensure accountability from the respective departments.
Opposition’s Role in Democracy
The BJD emphasized the role of the opposition as a watchdog of public interests. By monitoring the performance of various departments, the opposition can help safeguard the rights of the people. The BJD’s initiative is aimed at ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and concerns of the citizens.
Political Context
In the recent Assembly elections, the BJP formed its maiden government in Odisha, winning 78 out of 147 seats. The BJD, which had previously won 113 seats in 2019, secured 51 seats this time. The Congress managed to win 14 seats, while CPI(M) and Independents won one and three seats respectively.
BJD’s Commitment to Public Interests
BJD leaders have expressed their commitment to addressing the demands and grievances of the common people. They aim to ensure that government departments function effectively and respond to public needs. BJD MLA Goutam Buddha Das highlighted the importance of vigilance over departmental activities and raising relevant issues in the Assembly.
BJP’s Response
The BJP has dismissed the shadow cabinet initiative as a mere drama. BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal criticized the BJD’s 25-year governance record, citing issues such as increased migrant workers, corruption, a declining number of foreign tourists, a troubled educational system, and a collapsing law-and-order situation. According to Biswal, the BJD’s move is an attempt to deceive the people of Odisha.
Conclusion
The formation of a shadow cabinet by the BJD marks a new chapter in Odisha’s political landscape. By assigning MLAs to monitor specific departments, the BJD aims to ensure effective opposition and hold the government accountable. As the legislative session approaches, the effectiveness of this initiative will be closely watched.
(With inputs from agencies)
