Bhubaneswar: Serious allegations have been raised over foreign trips undertaken during the BJD ruling in Odisha, with claims that overseas visits were marked by luxury and enjoyment rather than genuine investment promotion in 2022.
It is alleged that BJD president Naveen Patnaik, accompanied by V.K. Pandian, travelled abroad under the pretext of attracting investment. As per the allegations, a sum of Rs 1.6 crore was spent on a Singapore visit by Naveen and Pandian. Similarly, Rs 82 lakh was reportedly spent on a trip to Italy. Questions have been raised over why a special aircraft was used for the Singapore visit, with demands for a detailed investigation. Notably, there is said to be no official information available regarding the Italy tour, alleged RTI activists at a press meet here on Friday.
It is further alleged that Naveen stayed for six days in some of the world’s most expensive hotels, incurring expenses of Rs 36 lakh. Activists argue that such spending warrants a CBI investigation.
“Ahead of the 2024 elections, Naveen and Pandian undertook several foreign visits, which have now come under scrutiny. During the 2022–23 foreign tours, the government had projected these visits as part of the ‘Make in Odisha’ campaign, stating that the objective was to attract foreign investment to the state. As part of the Japan visit, a large conclave was organised with the support of certain international organisations, and several senior officials and leaders accompanied the delegation. However, questions were raised when information obtained did not include airline tickets for Naveen and Pandian. The tickets were arranged by the Resident Commissioner. Naveen Patnaik and Pandian travelled to Singapore on a special flight, proceeded to Tokyo, then to Bangkok, spent several days there, and returned again on a special aircraft,” alleged Pradip Pradhan, an RTI activist.
He further alleged that approximately Rs 1.6 crore was spent on these special flights, questioning the necessity of such arrangements when regular routes via Delhi and Tokyo were available and when airfare for other officials had been arranged separately.
“Why Naveen and Pandian did not travel with other officials such as Hemant Sharma and Pradeep Jena, their intension was something else. They have other things during their trip to Singapore and Bangkok which proper investigation will find out the exact reason,” he added.
He further urged the BJP Government and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to order a special audit into these expenditures, stating that transparency and accountability are essential when public money is involved.