Biju Janata Dal has failed to develop Odisha: BJP

Bhubaneswar: With a focus to strengthen its base in Odisha ahead of 2019 polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said time has come for people to reject the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as it "failed" to develop the state despite flow of huge funds from the Centre.

BJP's Odisha unit which began its two-day state executive meeting at Baripada in tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district claimed that the party-led NDA Government is keen to ensure rapid prosperity of the state and its poor people.

However, the Naveen Patnaik government "failed" to properly utilise Central funds meant for welfare of the poor and development of the state, a political resolution adopted on the first day of the meeting said.

Had the BJD government utilised the funds properly, the state would have flourished by now, it said adding that 17 years is too long a period for bringing development.

"However, Naveen Patnaik regime turned out to be inefficient and incapable to perform and serve the people despite being in power for 17 long years. It is time for the people to reject BJD," it said.

Stating that the Narendra Modi government is taking steps for building a new India marked by speedy development and good governance, BJP said the Centre's effort would also pave the way for ushering in a new Odisha where all sections of the society would be benefit immensely.

Besides fulfilling the dreams of unemployed youths, the policies of NDA government would go a long way in meeting the aspirations of women in Odisha, the party said adding the poor would no longer have to depend on the mercy of government as they would get ample opportunities to march ahead.

Referring to Modi's focus on tapping "jandhan, jaldhan and vandhan", the party said Odisha has rich human resources and it is famous world over for its skilled manpower.

The state is endowed with abundant water resources, next only to Uttar Pradesh, with numerous rivers like Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani and Subarnarekha, it said adding forests occupy 37 per cent of Odisha's area. The state is gifted with abundant mineral resources like iron ore, bauxite, chromite, manganese and dolomite.

During the last three years, NDA government has taken several concrete steps for the progress of Odisha's youths, women, tribals, dalits and poor people by providing record volume of funds to the state, the BJP resolution said.

While previous UPA regime provided Rs 87931.35 crore from 2010-11 to 2013-14 to Odisha, NDA government gave Rs 175207.12 crore to the state between 2014-15 and 2017-18, the party resolution said adding it proves BJP's commitment towards Odisha.

"BJP is working out a road map to further strengthen its organisation at the grassroots," said BJP general secretary and Odisha in-charge, Arun Singh, who is also attending the meeting.