After his power-packed speech in Kandhamal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again tried to strike a chord with the people of Odisha by addressing a public meeting in Bolangir on Saturday.
Once again asserting that the countdown for the exit of BJD has begun in Odisha, PM Modi said, “The entire Odisha is telling with one voice- 'BJP’s double engine government here for the first time'."
“Was Odisha born after Modi? The state has been there with its rich culture spanning over 1000 years. However, the Congress only showed the state's pictures of poverty to the world. The BJD government also did not dare to stop the attempts of Congress or change the poverty scenario. But I assure you to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Odisha,” said PM Modi.
BJP has honoured the people of Odisha with the Padma awards for protecting and serving the Odia art and culture.
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"During the G20 Summit, I took pictures with world leaders with Konark Sun Temple backdrop. It is BJP government that approved the Paika Rebellion memorial, released a commemorative coin and postage stamp. Importantly, the BJP government, which for the first time make a tribal the country’s President happens to be the daughter of Odisha," said PM Modi.
Odia Asmita In Danger: PM Modi
"Be it Gopabandhu Das, Harekrushna Mahatab, Biju Babu and others, no one ever compromised with Odia Asmita. Today, the Odia culture is in danger; and how to protect Odia Asmita is the biggest challenge. Hence, the BJP has decided to bring out Odisha from such a crisis situation as Odia Asmita cannot be mortgaged," said PM Modi.
'June 4 Is Expiry Date Of BJD'
Once again claiming that June 4 is the expiry date of BJD, PM Modi invited people of Odisha to the swearing in ceremony of BJP CM in Bhubaneswar on June 10.
“Odisha is one of the richest states in the country, but the people are battling poverty. 50 years of the people of Odisha have been lost. It is time to save Odisha, Odia Asmita and future of children of the state. I have come to seek blessings of the people. Despite rich in natural resources, nothing has been done so far,” said PM Modi.
Asking people to ask a question to CM Naveen Patnaik when he visits the region for campaigning, PM Modi said, “Ask him a question on my behalf that as he (Naveen) is contesting from Kantabanji, can he name 10 villages? I am sure that he would not be able to name even 10 villages without seeing a paper despite being CM for so many years. He (Naveen Patnaik) doesn’t know your sorrows, dreams and capabilities as he is away from the soil and people.”
The people of Odisha gave opportunity to BJD for 25 years. The BJD leaders are now having bungalows and vehicles but the people are forced to migrate outside in search of work. “It is people’s vote that would change the fortunes here. Once voted to power, the BJP will certainly work for ushering in development in Odisha. BJD government cheated the farmers, especially the paddy farmers are not getting MSP and a large chunk is taken away in the name of Katni-Chatni. Hence, the state unit of BJP has announced to procure paddy at Rs 3100 per quintal and make payment within 48 hours,” said PM Modi.
'BJD Govt Involved In Corruption In Irrigation'
The BJP government is setting up cold storage clusters across the country which will benefit the vegetable growers in Odisha too. The BJD government is involved in corruption in irrigation projects and several projects have been hanging in balance for years, alleged PM Modi.
“The BJD government is not providing water for irrigation nor jobs. How long will the people of Odisha be forced to live in such situations? Modi is promising water for irrigation and jobs. Apart from this, the BJP government will work for the development of cotton farmers. Till the corrupt BJD is in power, the beneficiaries will not be able to ripe the benefits of the schemes, be it toilets, gas, pucca houses or drinking water,” added Modi.
'Not even in 10 years, forget June 10'
Responding to PM Modi's statements, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said, "Only remembering Odisha during elections is of no use. Do you remember the promises you made in 2014 and 2019? People of Odisha remember your assurances to contain the rise in prices of LPG, petrol and diesel; to waive off GST, to increase mobile connectivity. Let alone June 10, the BJP cannot win the hearts of the people of Odisha in the next 10 years.”
"There are many great freedom fighters in Odisha and some of the names were mentioned by you. Do none of them deserve a Bharat Ratna? While conferring Bharat Ratna, you forgot Biju Patnaik," he added.