Koraput: Ahead of the crucial elections in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today kicked off party’s poll campaign in the State by addressing a mega public meeting at Jeypore in Koraput district. Modi launched scathing attacks both on Congress and the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for keeping Odisha backward for decades.
"People of Odisha are tired of mining mafia, chit fund scams,misgovernance & inability to solve issues relating to health & education. Odisha is set to reject BJD. Congress is nowhere in the picture," tweeted Modi.
Urging the people of Odisha to vote for BJP during Vijay Sankalp Samabesh in Jeypore, Modi said, “This is the right time to punish Congress and BJD who were given ample time in Odisha to develop the region. However, they have failed miserably. What punishment should be given to such political parties for breaking the trust of people? I believe that people of Odisha should vote for BJP’s double engine government, both in the State and Centre so as to bring all round development at much faster pace.”
Targeting BJD, Modi said, “Can a govt which 'is embroiled in chit fund scams, looted invaluable resources of tribals, unable to ensure safety and justice to women' develop Odisha? Give us a chance and see the transformation. This Chowkidar is always there for your safety & well-being.”
Modi further took a swipe at the BJD for failing to utilise the Rs 6500 crore fund accumulated under District Mineral Fund and also refusing to be part of Centre's Ayushman Yojana and PM-KISAN Yojana.
“PM-KISAN will benefit 12 crore farmers in India, but there's not a single beneficiary from Odisha as there is no support from the State goverenment. It's time to say good bye to this anti-people govt. Only BJP can bring development here,” Modi added.
Responding to PM Modi's allegations, BJD's Barabati-Cuttack MLA, Debasish Samantaray said, "The Centre has praised Odisha's all around development in the past. CM Naveen Patnaik has introduced Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana which is better than Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme. The Centre has copied our KALIA scheme."
Odisha PCC vice-president Ananta Sethi on the other said, "People of the country very well know that BJP has mislead them by making fake promises."