The State Government has failed miserably in all fronts, alleged BJP leader and former Finance Minister Ramakrushna Patnaik while addressing mediapersons here on Wednesday.
Patnaik lashed out at the State Government for its inability to spend Central funds. “The BJD Government always points finger at the Centre alleging step-motherly attitude, but it itself fails to spend the Central allocations,” he said.
Patnaik alleged that the State Government boasts of development activities, but still 60 lakh tribals are living in penury. Sectors like agriculture, education and health are yet to get proper attention in the State Budget, he said.
The veteran leader criticised the State Government for exploitation of farmers by millers and local businessmen. “The Government failed to set up Mandis for procurement of paddy in several parts of the State, as a result of which distress sale of paddy has been taking place,” he said.
He also lamented the State Government’s apathy towards irrigation, rural employment through MGNREGA, potato production and creation of new jobs for unemployed youths.
On the issue of IIM establishment, the BJP leader said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has now written a letter to the Centre to set up the IIM in Sambalpur though he knows that the location cannot be changed. “He wrote the letter to appease the voters of Sambalpur ahead of UlB polls,” he added.