The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday once again accused the UPA-led Central Government of political discrimination against Odisha. Addressing a Press conference here, Panchayati Raj Minister Kalpataru Das said, “We condemn the Centre for its discriminatory role in providing aid to our State while 18 districts have been severely affected by cyclone and subsequent floods.”
Stating that the Centre immediately extends support to the States like Assam and Uttarakhand ruled by the UPA constituents just one day after they are hit by natural disasters, Das said the continued step-motherly attitude of the Centre towards Odisha has become unbearable.
“We have spent a lot more than the allotted budget for disaster management as per the 13th Finance Commission for the ongoing restoration works in the affected districts. The Centre should immediately release an ad hoc aid of Rs 1,000 crore as demanded by the State Government,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Debi Prasad Mishra said, “More than 85 per cent of the small and marginal farmers have been affected in the cyclone and floods. It is sad that the Centre is yet to rise to the occasion even though 24 days have passed since the Phailin.
Biju Yuva Janata Dal president Sanjaya Dasburma informed that the party would submit a memorandum to the President through the Governor on Wednesday. He also informed that silent protests would be staged at district headquarters and in front of all Central offices of the affected districts on Thursday demanding immediate release of Central aid.