Congress leader Bijay Patnaik tears into Odisha govt in CM Naveen's home turf

Senior Congress leader Bijay Patnaik on Thursday took a dig at the Odisha government by raking up several issues related to Ganjam district which is the home constituency of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

While addressing a presser at Digapahandi, the Congress leader alleged that there is rampant misuse of government machinery in Ganjam district.

Patnaik alleged that the state government is pressurising government officers, including BDOs, Tehsildars and Police personnel to ensure that BJD’s programmes are a success and they win elections. Claiming that targets are also given to government officials, he condemned such practices.

“As it is CM’s district, I urge him to ensure that such incidents are checked. All the government officers are efficient and they should be allowed to work freely and should not be allowed or engaged for party works as it is not healthy for a democracy,” said Patnaik.

The bureaucrat-turned-politician further raked up the issue of migrant woes in the district. “During Covid, lakhs of migrant labourers returned to several parts of Odisha and including Ganjam. However, the government does not have concrete information in this regard which is really shameful,” said Patnaik.

The Congress leader also targeted the Odisha government for lack of initiatives to create jobs and set up industries in the region.

“In Gopalpur, thousands of acres of land were acquired from people. But nothing has been done. The government should set up textile mills and garment making units in the region that will create employment opportunities for lakhs of people.

The Odisha government should take it up under its Make in Odisha initiative. But it is surprising that the state government has done nothing,” said the Congress leader.

Patnaik urged the CM, who is currently in Japan along with his team, to set up textile or automobile complex in the region and stated that it would certainly help lakhs of people.

“The spinning mill and Sugar mill which were set up during the Congress period in Aska are almost defunct. The few industries which were in Ganjam are crying for attention. The government should serious think about the revival of these units,” Patnaik added.

Meanwhile, BJD leaders could not be contacted over the allegations made by the Congress leader.