Taking a dig at the Opposition parties for indulging in a ‘misinformation’ campaign against the BJD, ruling party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday blew the bugle for the ensuing panchayat polls scheduled in February next year.
Addressing party leaders and workers at the BJD’s 19th foundation day function at its headquarters here, Patnaik said after being rejected by the people, the opposition parties are now indulging in a ‘misinformation’ campaign against the BJD.
“While a party is busy in mere propagation, another is suffering from internal fight. They are a worried lot as their misinformation campaign against the BJD has no impact on the people,” said Patnaik, obviously referring to the BJP and the Congress, respectively.
Maintaining that grassroots workers are the backbone of the BJD, Patnaik said all its members, including its president, are the servants of the people.
“Panchayat elections are approaching. We will go to the people with a message of welfare and development. For me, all are equal in the BJD, and there is no distinction between the leaders and workers,” said he.
Sharing his district tour experience, Patnaik said, “While interacting with people, I was overwhelmed by their support for the party and the Government.”
He also blasted the Centre for stopping providing assistance to the State under several welfare programmes in the tribal and backward districts.
Referring to the Polavaram and Mahanadi issues, he said everyone in Odisha is well aware that the Centre is acting against the interests of Odisha as it is hand in glove with the Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh Governments on these issues, respectively.