Phulbani: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today claimed that his government was the "most stable and dependable" for the people as it worked for the welfare of all the sections of the society.
"I have given instructions to all the collectors to be more particular in redressing the genuine grievances of the poor people as the BJD is the most committed party for their tangible development and welfare," Patnaik said.
Noting that Kandhamal has "potential" in tourism and horticulture sectors, the chief minister said the state government has been trying its best to explore this possibility.
He dedicated 32 projects with an outlay of Rs 60 crore at Phulbani, Daringbadi and Balliguda, including a skill development centre, colleges, a town hall, a fire station etc.
At the Phulbani meeting, local MLA Duguni Kanhar requested the chief minister to consider setting up a Medical College at Phulbani and to review the work of the ongoing road projects.
Patnaik was accompanied by state Forest and Environment Minister BK Arukha, Kandhamal MP Pratyusha R Singh, MLA Duguni Kanhar, MLA Rajib Patra and BJD Kandhamal district unit chief Saroj Karna.
The police had stepped up security in view of the chief minister's visit to the district.
DSP Arjun Barik said 23 platoons of police personnel were deployed.
A press release issued by the Kandhamal District Congress Committee alleged that the chief minister's visit to the district was only aimed at wooing the people ahead of the three-tier panchayat polls.
Patnaik's visit to Kandhamal was delayed by about four hours due to a technical glitch in his helicopter.