The controversy over the distribution of Rs 1000 livelihood assistance to beneficiaries doesn’t seem to die down as the BJP in Rayagada district on Thursday alleged that the money is being given by the Central government.
“Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is distributing Rs 1000. But the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is trying to hijack it by claiming that it is distributing the money. On behalf of the BJP, we condemn such an act of branding central government’s schemes as our own,” said BJP leader, Haladhara Mishra.
The BJP also demanded that the state government should come out with proof to substantiate its claim. Or else, it should stop the distribution, the party demanded.
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Some beneficiaries also claimed that the money is being provided by the Central government.
“It is being falsely propagated that the money is being given by Naveen Patnaik. As in the case of rice distribution, they (the BJD) would say they were providing the rice. But the fact is that the BJP is giving the rice. They (the BJD) have nothing. They are only making us stand in the sun,” said Ram Krushna Sahu, a beneficiary.
When asked, the Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha coordinator, P Gourishankar said, “Our Chief Minister has asked us not to deliver a speech but to work. So we are working. Our Chief Minister is giving it (the money) to us and we are giving the same to the people. The job of the Opposition is to oppose.”