“The central govt is continuously neglecting Odisha and we will take this issue to the people”, said BJD MLA Ashok Panda.
If all the districts of Bihar are getting BRGF allocation then why not an economically backward state such as Odisha is eligible for this, added Panda.
The party would hold awareness campaigns at all districts from April 23 about the Centre’s negligence towards the people of the state.
Reacting to the alleged discrimination, BJD has also called for a 12-hour state-wide bandh on April 26.
The ruling party has also decided to send a memorandum to President Pranab Mukherjee with signature of one crore people, said sources.
Earlier on Saturday, chief minister Naveen Patnaik showed his displeasure over less fund allocation for the Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK) region under the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) in 12th five year plan.
Patnaik said, “It's most unfortunate that the Central government is discriminating against Odisha on political considerations. This is a clear case of negligence to our state once again.”
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on April 18 approved allocation of funds of Rs 250 crore per annum for the KBK region of Odisha under the BRGF in 12th five year plan, while amount given to Bihar is far ahead from Odisha. The CCEA approved the allocation of enhanced funds for Bihar of Rs 12,000 crore as a special plan under the BRGF.