However, the BJP supremo did acknowledge the budget’s focus on tourism development in Odisha and expressed hope for substantial benefits in this sector.Earlier, BJD MPs walked out of the Rajya Sabha in protest, arguing that the budget ignored Odisha’s demand for special category state status.Party national spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra remarked that while Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar had all raised similar demands, only Andhra Pradesh and Bihar received additional funds.“Probably, this is the punishment meted out to Odisha for electing 20 BJP Lok Sabha MPs out of 21 from Odisha and the reward to the BJP allies from Bihar and Andhra Pradesh,” he added.Deputy Leader of the Opposition Prasanna Acharya also criticised the Centre for ignoring Odisha’s genuine concerns in the budget.
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