The Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday launched a scathing attack at the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government to clarify its decision on extending free rice scheme to the beneficiaries.
President of the State BJP OBC Morcha Suratha Biswal, who addressed a press conference on Wednesday, said “The Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Yojana (PM-GKAY) has been extended for six months more. Soon after the announcement of extension, the State government also came out with an announcement, declaring it will also distribute additional 5 kg rice free of cost. Now the State government should clarify it whether a beneficiary will receive 10 kg or 5 kg rice.”
Biswal also accused the BJD government of distributing ration cards just before the rural and urban polls to woo voters. “Huge number of fake ration cards was distributed at the time of elections, asking the recipients to cast their votes in favour of the BJD,” he added.
Hitting out at the ruling dispensation, Biswal said, “After the dispatch of final list of 3.25 crore beneficiaries to the Centre, BJD said it has detected 5/6lakh more beneficiaries which is quite surprising.”
However, no comments could be obtained from the BJD in connection with the allegations.