Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced its full support and active participation in the Sambalpur bandh called by farmers’ organisations on December 19 to protest alleged irregularities in the paddy procurement process. The announcement was made on Monday by former minister and Sambalpur district BJD president Rohit Pujari.

In a press statement, Pujari accused the BJP-led state government of failing to manage paddy procurement efficiently, resulting in widespread distress among farmers. He alleged that cultivators are facing severe harassment due to large-scale mismanagement in token distribution, unnecessary delays in procurement, and administrative apathy at procurement centres.

Describing the situation as alarming, Pujari said the government’s so-called anti-farmer policies have pushed cultivators into hardship during a crucial phase of the agricultural season. He claimed that inefficiency and lack of planning by the administration have directly affected farmers’ livelihoods across Sambalpur district, forcing many to wait endlessly to sell their produce.

Reiterating the party’s stand, the former minister said the Sambalpur BJD stands shoulder to shoulder with the farming community and will fight for their rights both on the streets and in democratic forums. He confirmed that party leaders and workers would actively join the December 19 bandh in solidarity with farmers demanding immediate corrective measures.

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