Bhubaneswar: After Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik slammed the Central Government, during Biju Centenary celebration at BJD State office today, for closing down various welfare schemes in Odisha, State BJP president Basanta Kumar Panda alleged that the ruling BJD is politicising the birth anniversary of the great statesman and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
“It is unfortunate that after ruling for 17 years, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik could have developed Odisha to a large extent, but the government is oppressing people and people are also sensing a paralysed and inefficient government,” said Panda to media persons.
“Earlier I had briefed media persons that Biju Patnaik is a symbol of self-respect for Odisha, his birth anniversary is a holy occasion and it should not be politicised, but now it has been politicised,” he added.
Panda opined, “If experts will compare the difference between Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik, the dreams of Biju Babu has been shattered by the party framed in his name and no traits of the statesman is being seen in Naveen.”
Earlier in the day the Chief Minister had alleged the Central Government of closing many public welfare programmes and schemes. Addressing the masses he said, “The Central Government has closed many programmes ignoring the interest of tribal and backward class people. But in view of the public interest we are continuing the programmes from own funds.”
Counting the achievements of his party, Patnaik said, “Visible improvement has been seen in various sectors in the State. A vast change has been seen in between the Odisha of the year 2000 and now including development in infrastructure, increase in employment, production and investment in various sectors.”
Women have also been empowered and youths have gained self confidence in the State, added the Chief Minister.