LIVE TV
India
Recommended Stories
Bhubaneswar: A day after the BJD attacked BJP for turning 'Bhumi Pujan' ceremony of Dhamra LNG terminal into a mere political programme, Chief Secretary AP Padhi today praised Centre's move to a set up the mega project in the State. Agriculture minister Damodar Rout has criticised Padhi for this move.
In a letter to IOCL chief Sanjeev Singh, Padhi said the project would benefit Odisha and eastern region at a large.
"I am Sure the 5MMTPA LNG Terminal being developed in PPP mode by the consortium of IOCL,GAIL and Adani Group will usher in an era of 'eco-friendly fuels' to power the nation, with spin off benefits for Odisha and eastern region," the letter read.
The letter of appreciation did not go well with BJD vice president Rout. "He is the chief secretary to Government of Odisha. He has no right to write without consulting the chief minister. He should not forget his position," Rout said.
He further alleged that Centre has shifted the LNG terminal from Paradip to Dhamra in a bid to please Adani.
BJD spokesperson and Minister Surya Narayan Patro however backed the chief secretary. He said there is no problem in appreciating something which is meant for the interest of the State.
BJP alleged lack of coordination in State government. "The government lacks coordination. Damodar Rout criticised the Centre at the Chief Minister's behest for not setting up the gas terminal in Paradip while the chief secretary appreciated the Centre's move," said Sameer Mohanty, BJP state vice-president.
Congress targeted both the parties for doing politics over trivial issues. "Both BJD and BJP are indulged in petty politics. BJP skipped the Asian Athletics meet function and in reply BJD boycott the Bhumi Pujan ceremony of LNG terminal. Both are involved in self –interest instead of State," said Niranjan Patnaik, senior Congress leader.
