Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Odisha Congress Seeks Audit of Modi Birthday Event Funds
The Odisha Congress says the government may have spent too much public money on celebrations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
It wants the government to publish a detailed audit showing how much was spent.
Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das says people are facing problems such as unemployment, inflation and difficulties for farmers.
He believes money should be used for healthcare, education and infrastructure instead.
The BJP disagrees with this criticism.
BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal says the celebrations show people’s affection and support for Modi.
One programme, called “Ashirwad Ka Diya,” involved people lighting lamps as a sign of goodwill.
The two parties disagree about whether the events were misuse of government resources or a legitimate public expression.
The Odisha Congress demanded a detailed audit of public funds allegedly spent on events marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday.
OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das alleged that taxpayers’ money was misused for publicity centered on Modi.
Das claimed hundreds of crores were spent on advertising, hoardings, exhibitions and promotional events.
The Congress said government funds should instead support healthcare, education and infrastructure amid unemployment and other public concerns.
Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal rejected the allegations, calling the celebrations an expression of public goodwill toward Modi.
- Who
- The Odisha Congress, led on this issue by OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das, criticized celebrations associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Odisha BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal defended them.
- What
- The Congress demanded a public audit of funds allegedly spent on Modi’s birthday celebrations and publicity campaigns.
- When
- The report was dated September 17 and referred to Modi’s 76th birthday.
- Where
- Odisha, including statewide celebrations and publicity campaigns.
- Why
- Congress alleged misuse of taxpayers’ money and misplaced priorities, while the BJP said the events expressed public affection and goodwill toward Modi.
Congress Criticism
BJP Defense
Use of public funds
Congress Criticism
The Congress alleged that taxpayers’ money was being used for personal publicity and called for a detailed audit.
BJP Defense
The BJP rejected the allegations and said the celebrations were public expressions of goodwill rather than improper spending.
Lighting-lamp initiative
Congress Criticism
Bhakta Charan Das said forcing people to light lamps for Modi’s birthday undermined democratic values because a lamp symbolizes faith, not compulsion.
BJP Defense
Anil Biswal said citizens and party workers had a democratic right to celebrate and convey their blessings through the “Ashirwad Ka Diya” initiative.
Government priorities
Congress Criticism
The Congress said resources should address unemployment, farmers’ distress, inflation, women’s safety, education, healthcare and infrastructure.
BJP Defense
The BJP emphasized Modi’s public service, development, self-reliance, social welfare and nation-building as reasons for people’s support.
- Demand
- The Odisha Congress called for immediate public disclosure of a detailed audit of the spending.
- Congress allegation
- Bhakta Charan Das alleged that hundreds of crores of rupees were spent on advertising, hoardings, exhibitions and promotional events.
- Celebration
- The BJP defended the “Ashirwad Ka Diya” initiative as an expression of public affection and goodwill.
- Congress concerns
- The party cited unemployment, inflation, agrarian distress, women’s safety and education challenges.
- BJP response
- Anil Biswal called the Congress statement a reflection of its political frustration over Modi’s public connect and popularity.
- Alternative priorities
- Congress said the funds should instead be used for public healthcare, education or infrastructure development.