BJD and BJP Clash Over JSW Group’s Project in Odisha
In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a heated exchange took place between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over reports that JSW Group might move its proposed electric vehicle and battery manufacturing project out of Odisha. However, Ranjan Nayak, Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy at JSW Steel, clarified that the project is not being withdrawn from Odisha.
BJD’s Concerns
BJD spokesperson Santrupta Mishra expressed his concerns at a press conference, stating, “I have read about the JSW plant moving to Maharashtra or somewhere else outside Odisha. I sincerely hope that is not the case in the interest of Odisha.” He criticized the current government’s approach, saying it disrespects the commitments made by the previous government and drives industries away.
BJP’s Response
Industries Minister and BJP leader Sampad Kumar Swain responded by accusing the previous BJD government of only signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) without implementing them. He emphasized that the current government is working to attract more industries to Odisha, citing a recent approval of a Rs 45,000 crore investment that will create 36,000 jobs.
JSW Group’s Position
JSW Group, a major Indian business house with interests in various sectors, had signed an agreement with the BJD government in February to establish the project in Naraj, Cuttack, and Paradip, Jagatsinghpur. Despite reports suggesting a potential move to Maharashtra, JSW has confirmed that it is not leaving Odisha.
Doubts Revealed
BJD -: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is a political party in India, mainly active in the state of Odisha.
BJP -: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Indian National Congress.
JSW Group -: JSW Group is a big company in India that works in different industries like steel, energy, and infrastructure.
Odisha -: Odisha is a state in eastern India, known for its rich culture and history.
electric vehicle -: An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that runs on electricity instead of petrol or diesel.
battery project -: A battery project involves making batteries, which are used to store electricity for various uses, including in electric vehicles.
spokesperson -: A spokesperson is a person who speaks on behalf of a group or organization.
government’s approach -: Government’s approach means the way the government is handling or dealing with a particular issue.
implement -: To implement means to put a plan or decision into effect or action.
clarified -: Clarified means to make something clear or easier to understand.
