Bhubaneswar: As Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik landed in Surat today for the first time in 19 years, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani who was in Bhubaneswar to attend a presser on Rafale deal, took a jibe at Naveen Patnaik stating that the CM’s visit to meet Odias residing in Gujarat after 19 years is politically-motivated.
“Because Odisha general elections are round the corner, Naveen Patnaik finally found time for the non-resident Odias in Gujarat, after 19 years. But I welcome him on his maiden visit,” Rupani ridiculed CM’s visit while addressing the presser.
Rupani further urged Patnaik to implement Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme so that people residing in Odisha and outside can avail maximum health care facilities anywhere in India. “"I am surprised that Odisha is not connected with Ayushman Bharat. Whatever schemes the central government implements, it is for the welfare of the people. The state government should implement Ayushman Bharat scheme so as to extend healthcare facilities for Odias staying outside. Neither this Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, nor the Gujarat State scheme will serve any purpose outside the States.”
"The Odisha people work very hard and save their money. They invest the money in chit fund back home. I have received some complaints that the money has been duped. The Odisha government should act on this to help people get their money back," stated the visiting CM.
“When Odias came to Gujarat for a living, they were staying in thatched houses. But under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and state housing schemes, we provided them with pucca houses and flats,” Rupani said.
Meanwhile, responding to Rupani’s statements, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb questioned, "Why is Gujarat CM here in Odisha when CM Naveen Patnaik is scheduled to visit Surat today? It seems BJP is terrified of CM Naveen's visit.”
Deb further stated that the non-resident Odias are also entitled to get benefits from Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana wherever they are in the country.
In his reaction, senior Congress leader Srikant Jena stated, "After forcing Odisha's youth to migrate to other states for 18 years, Naveen Patnaik has himself decided to migrate to Surat (Gujarat) today. It's so unfortunate."
The Bharatiya Janata Party, today, held simultaneous press meets across 70 cities in the country to address the Rafale deal issue raised by the Congress. Attacking the Congress, Rupani sought an apology from AICC president Rahul Gandhi and demanded his resignation for spreading lies on Rafale deal.
"Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation and Armed forces for misleading people on Rafale. He should resign from his post for dishonouring the Supreme Court verdict.”