Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly and BJP's Bhawanipatna MLA Pradipta Naik came down heavily on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for setting separate stages for him and other leaders for a mega government event in Kalahandi district on Thursday.
Naik, who skipped the occasion terming it as a sign of State’s 'feudal policy', also slammed the government for organising such an ostentatious programme. Why such lavish amount was spent for the event that too from the government exchequer? asked Naik.
"A separate special stage has been set for the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while another stage has been constructed for other leaders. Then why did we undergo Covid-19 test? Even after being diagnosed with Covid negative, we were not allowed to share stage with the Chief Minister in today's mega event in Kalahandi district. This is a clear sign of feudal system in a democracy. I condemn it," Naik said.
Sitting arrangements with distance on single stage could have been made. Even though it is completely a government programme, the chief Minister has organised the event in his party lines, Naik pointed out.
He further alleged that despite being undertaken with 90% central funds, the State government is claiming sole credit for the projects.
Reacting to Naik, the BJD said that the Opposition leader needs to understand the importance of 'soil, not stage'.
"Everyone has been welcomed. The MP and Zilla Parishad chiarperson reached the venue but why should Naik not attend the programme. I believe that soil, not stage is important. He needs to understand that," BJD Minister Capt Divyashankar Mishra said.
Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has made a one-day visit to Kalahandi district to unveil a slew of welfare projects including the ambitious Indravati Irrigation project which was a long cherished dream of thousands of farmers in Koksara, Dharmagarh and Jaypatna blocks in the district.