One year of BJP rule in Odisha: Has Odia Asmita been strengthened or betrayed?

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preparing to mark its first anniversary in power in Odisha, having won the 2024 state elections on the back of the emotive issue of Odia Asmita—a term that evokes the pride, dignity, and cultural identity of Odisha’s people. Yet, one year on, serious questions remain: Has the BJP genuinely upheld Odia Asmita, or was it merely an electoral ploy?

Odia Asmita is deeply rooted in Odisha’s rich heritage—its history, art, literature, architecture, music, and natural beauty. The state's assimilative cultural traditions, spanning from the majestic Konark Sun Temple to the sacred Jagannath Temple, have long defined its spiritual and secular ethos.

The struggles and sacrifices of figures like Dharmapada, Baji Rout, and Laxman Nayak illustrate the resilience embedded in Odisha’s past. These narratives, alongside Odisha’s linguistic and artistic heritage, shape the collective identity of its people. However, identity is not merely symbolic; it thrives when sustained by economic, social, and cultural investments.

BJP’s Governance: A Reality Check

With its decisive electoral victory, the BJP not only assumed governance but also took on the responsibility of nurturing Odia Asmita. Yet, one year into its tenure, tangible efforts to strengthen this identity remain elusive.

- Neglect of the Odia Language and Culture: Despite claims of fostering Odia pride, vacancies for Odia teachers, lecturers, and professors remain unaddressed, threatening the long-term vitality of the language. Investment in Odisha’s cultural heritage—its history, music, cinema, and architecture—has been inadequate.

- Tokenism vs. Genuine Progress: The construction of Odia Asmita Bhawan risks reducing a complex identity to a mere building and a corpus fund. This raises concerns about whether the government’s commitment is substantive or superficial.

- Marginalisation and Economic Disparity: Tribal Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s leadership has not translated into concrete gains for marginalized communities. Landlessness, homelessness, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare continue to plague ordinary citizens.

Hindutva Politics and the Erosion of Odia Asmita

Rather than advancing a pluralistic vision for Odisha, the BJP’s Hindutva-driven politics appears to be imposing a homogenized national identity that clashes with the state’s diverse cultural fabric. Hindutva thrives on exclusion, whereas Odia Asmita is built on inclusivity. If unchecked, this ideological shift could erode Odisha’s unique identity rather than strengthen it.

The most visible achievement of the BJP government in Odisha seems to be its facilitation of the transfer of mineral resources to private corporations. Meanwhile, the state's working population continues to bear the brunt of economic distress, with education, healthcare, and employment in crisis.

One year into BJP rule, the question lingers: Has Odia Asmita truly been strengthened, or has it been appropriated for political gain? The people of Odisha will ultimately judge whether their pride has been uplifted—or betrayed.

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