Patnaik takes dig at 'hypocrites' leaders ignoring Odisha's development

Calling the BJP leaders as "hypocrites", BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Sunday accused the NDA government at the Centre of neglecting Odisha. Patnaik said this while addressing election meetings in Rayagada and Gajapati districts where the first phase polling is scheduled to be held on April 11.

"These people (BJP leaders) have no sympathy for the poor, women and Odisha as a whole. These are all 'Biradi Baishnab' (hypocrites)," Patnaik said while addressing an election rally in Rayagada. Patnaik also conducted road shows in both the districts.

Launching a scathing attack against the BJP, Patnaik alleged that the Centre has never been cooperative towards Odisha even during calamities and also in case of welfare schemes. "The BJP government has no remorse for the poor people. We have launched Aahar scheme for feeding poor people visiting urban area and hospitals, but the Centre refused to fund it. The state government has been funding the programme from its own resources," Patnaik said.

He alleged that the BJP led Central government also rejected the state's demand of providing cheap rice at Re 1 a kilogram to 30 lakh people. "We have ensured that all poor and needy people get the benefit of the National Food Security Act," Patnaik said.

In an emotional tone, Patnaik said: "Four and a half crore people of Odisha are part of my family. I will continue serving you till my last breath." Denying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's allegation that Odisha government did not implement Ayushman Bharat scheme out of political consideration, Patnaik said: "Women are getting Rs 7 lakh worth health benefits under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana while it is Rs 5 lakh under the Centre's scheme."

Further intensifying his attack on the Centre, Patnaik said: "While the state government has been spending Rs 12,000 crore for safe drinking water, the Centre gives only Rs 1,000 crore." "Similarly, for irrigation, the state is spending Rs 20,000 crore while the Centre is giving only Rs 250 crore," he added. Patnaik reminded the people of Rayagada and Gajapati about last year's Titli cyclone. "There was a lot of destruction during cyclone Titli, but the Centre gave assistance to Andhra first. Central leaders are all hypocrites," he said adding that none of the national party leaders visited the cyclone hit areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)