BJD leader Sasmit Patra has linked India’s economic aspirations directly to farmer welfare, cautioning that unresolved rural distress could derail national ambitions.
Responding to recent headlines—from UGC rule suspensions to Economic Survey 2026, voter SIR glitches, and the Delhi AI Summit—Patra provided measured takes.
The UGC case remains in court limbo post-notice. ‘Final judgment will settle it,’ Patra said.
Praising Economic Survey 2026’s GDP optimism, he spotlighted agriculture. ‘Strong numbers ahead, powered primarily by agri and allied sectors.’
Yet, reality bites: farmers face shuttered markets, procurement delays, and fertilizer famines. ‘No economic victory without fixing these fundamentals,’ Patra insisted.
Voter SIR draws Supreme Court flak for procedural errors. ‘Grassroots levels need overhaul,’ Patra noted, worried about Odisha’s rollout. ‘Safeguard against deleting rightful voters.’
Optimism surged for February’s Global Impact AI Summit. ‘A global congregation of innovators in Delhi—perfect for unveiling India’s AI mastery, ML breakthroughs, and tech innovations.’
Patra celebrated India’s innovator ecosystem, poised to shine internationally and bolster the nation’s tech narrative.