The Congress on Wednesday sharply criticied the way both BJD and BJP were attempting to champion the cause of tribals by nominating former Odisha Minister Draupadi Murmu as NDA's Presidential candidate. 

Party media convenor Satya Prakash Nayak alleged that while tribals of the State were reeling various problems, in the name of 'mati' and 'party' both the ruling parties at the  Centre and State were playing politics of credit.

Rather than  highlighting who became from which community, they should concentrate on welfare of the tribal community, he added.

Nayak alleged that presenting one Murmu as tribal representative, you cannot deceive millions of tribals.

Presidential election is a political process and it would happen after end of term of incumbent President  but in name of Presidential elections both the BJD and the BJP are trying to outsmart each other, Nayak told.

Chief Minister Naveen Patanik who is the Chairman of the State Tribal Advisory Council(TAC) has never called a meeting or chaired a meeting during the last four years; similarly  the BJP  rather than questioning the ruling BJD on how funds meant for tribals are being spent without approval of TAC, is busy blaming Congress on Presidential nominee, he said.

He pointed out that during the last 22 years 44 TAC meetings should have been held but they were held only for 17 times.

Nayak alleged that the Modi Government at the Centre has stopped special grants and funds for tribal development during the last two years to the State and questioned why Draupadi Murmu was silent on Kalingnagar tribal massacre.