Intensifying his election campaign, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday once again lambasted the Centre over its negligence towards Odisha in all spheres.
Addressing a huge gathering at Raighar in Nabarangpur district, Patnaik said the Central leaders, who had never visited the State’s tribal districts during the last five years of their rule, are now frequenting these areas with the sole intention to woo voters.
He asked, “Why the Centre stopped the KBK and SC/ST Scholarship schemes? Why it obstructed Mahanadi water? Where is the farmer insurance? Where are 10 crore jobs Where is two-fold hike in MSP? Where is a new rail line for Nabarangpur? Where is the fund for irrigation to farming land?” Odisha spent Rs 20,000 crore for irrigation, but the Centre sanctioned only Rs 250 crore for the purpose, he pointed out.
Speaking on KALIA money dues, he reiterated that the two-instalment amount of Rs 10,000 would be transferred to the eligible farmers in a row on the very first day of formation of a new BJD Government.
Patnaik also stated that an additional 25 lakh farmers would be enlisted in the KALIA scheme soon, adding, “Not a single farmer will be deprived of getting the financial assistance under the scheme.”
He also reminded people that the Central leaders, who are now bee-lining in Odisha for election campaign, were missing when the State was devastated by natural calamities. “Where were you during natural calamities? Now, you are visiting Odisha to gain votes,” he said
Patnaik told people, “I am with you and will always remain with you.”