Ahead of the BJP national executive meeting here from Saturday, Union Petroleum ad Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said Odisha would be Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s laboratory for testing various ‘pro-poor welfare schemes’.
“A majority of Odisha’s population is engaed in agriculture. Many developmental activities can be undertaken in this minerals-rich State. The Modi Government has sanctioned Rs 5,200 crore to the State in the Railway Budgets in three years. It indicates how the Prime Minister is concerned about development of Odisha,” Pradhan said while addressing national level reporters here.
Claiming that Odisha has got the highest gains from the 14th Finance Commission, Pradhan said the Centre has sanctioned Rs 3,000 crore in its Budget for development of rural Odisha. While 1,600 km of National Highways were constructed during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government, the Modi Government has decided to construct 4,800 km NHs. Similarly, lPG connections in the State have been increased to 43 lakh in three years from 22-23 lakh connections made by the year 2014.
Stating that the BJP achieved unexpected success during the recent panchayat elections,. Pradhan said the hope for garnering an impressive mandate in the 2019 general elections has brightened.
“Odisha has been chosen to be the laboratory for testing various pro-poor welfare programmes. Accordingly, the party has adopted two approaches. Firstly, people’s expectations would be fulfilled by the Government and, secondly, the party organisation would be strengthened to make it a success, he said.
Among others, party State president Basanta Panda, Union Minister Jual Oram, BJP legislature Party leader KV Singh Deo, national secretary Suresh Pujari and spokesperson Sajjan Sharma were present at the Press meet.