OPCC Chief targets CM Naveen over utilisation of DMF fund

Bhubaneswar: A day after BJD slammed the Centre for maintaining double standards in its much-hyped ‘aspirational districts’ programme, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik trained his guns on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over utilisation of the the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund for development of districts identified under the programme in the State.

In a Tweet, Patnaik questioned the CM about the purpose of the DMF. He alleged that 90 per cent of the funds have remained unutilised in the state and the State Government has not undertaken any developmental works for minerals rich districts.

“What is the purpose of such funds, Naveen babu- spending on welfare of people or keeping them as showpiece in Government’s accounts? 90% of funds under District Mineral Foundation are untouched! You could've done so much for welfare of people in mining affected areas! You didn't work,” Patnaik tweeted.

On Tuesday, the ruling party had targeted the Centre accusing it of maintaining double standards in its much hyped ‘aspirational districts’ programme following the latter’s proposal to use DMF for development of the eight identified ‘aspirational districts’ in Odisha.

Stating that crores of money in the DMF fund have remained unutilised, BJP spokesperson Golaka Mohapatra had said the State Government should not have any problem if the Centre suggests using of the money.

On the other hand, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb had alleged that the Centre and especially NITI Aayog are regularly changing their plans while announcing and implementing programmes, which reflects the double standards of the Central Government.