BJP terms 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' scheme ploy to influence rural voters as BJD leaders rush to identify projects

With the launch of Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha scheme, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders are seen rushing to Panchayats to identify projects to be implemented under the scheme, giving fodder to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which alleged that the scheme is only a ploy to influence rural voters.

As per reports, BJD leaders have been directed by the party to identify projects and prepare draft proposals by July 27 following the launch of the scheme. So instead of the local administration, ruling party leaders across Odisha are holding meetings to identify projects for villages.

On Thursday, the BJD team of Khordha district held a meeting and discussed draft proposals from every panchayat of Zilla Parishad Zone -15 under Chilika Assembly Constituency.

Similarly, BJD MLA, Suryamani Baidya from Khallikote Constituency and BJD leader Rabi Narayan Nanda from Jeypore held meetings to identify projects in several panchayats under their Constituencies. The same exercise is being followed almost everywhere in the State.

“We have inaugurated the Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha scheme in Khordha district today. We discussed the modalities of successful implementation of the scheme on the ground,” said BJD MP, Manas Mangaraj.

As per the new scheme, the government will provide Rs 50 lakh to each panchayat, making it approximately Rs 5 lakh for every village. The BJP questioned the purpose of the scheme raising serious concerns over its benefits.

“The State government’s modus operandi has been to introduce schemes based on BJD’s needs. As far as this new scheme is concerned, this is aimed at influencing voters by distributing public money among them,” alleged BJP’s Lekhashree Samantsinghar.

Even the Congress was of the same opinion. Party leader Bijay Patnaik said, “I suspect this scheme has been launched to spend all the money in the interest of BJD during elections.”

However, the BJD denied the allegations. “Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched this scheme to solve problems at the grassroots level,” clarified Prashant Muduli, Chief Whip of the ruling party.

Moreover, it is being alleged that the State government is trying to play a soft Hindutva card through this scheme. As per the scheme, out of the Rs 50 lakh for each panchayat, Rs 10 lakh has been earmarked for the development of temples and promotion of Jagannath culture.