Bhubaneswar, Nov. 3 -- In a sharp attack against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday accused the Odisha government of failing the people of Nuapada and the state at large.

Addressing a massive public rally in the district ahead of the November 11 by-election, Patnaik said the BJP had "betrayed the trust" of both the voters and the BJD, while halting all development work over the last 16 months.

"Whenever I come to Nuapada, I am reminded of Biju Babu, who founded this district," said the BJD supremo, recalling the contributions of his father and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

"During our government's tenure, I approved every proposal that was bro...