Bhubaneswar, June 19 -- Odisha Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, highlighting the non-payment of pensions to 18 lakh beneficiaries across the state for the past three months.

In his letter, Patnaik stated that the issue has exposed the "most vulnerable" citizens of Odisha, who are now at risk of severe distress, deprivation, and starvation. He further drew attention to the death of a woman pensioner from Ganjam, who reportedly lost her life after being "deprived" of her pension benefits.

"I write with a sense of deep concern and anguish over the non-payment of pensions for the last three months to nearly 18 lakh beneficiaries across Odisha. These pensioner...