Vikash Sharma

Bhubaneswar: While hitting campaign trail in Jeypore, BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has not fallen behind in luring farmers by assuring two KALIA scheme instalments of Rs 10,000 at one go if BJD is voted to power.

Moreover, Patnaik claimed that already 40 lakh farmers have been benefited while list of another 25 lakh farmers has been prepared.

“I assure that on the first day of forming the government, BJD will give two instalments (Rs 10,000) of Kalia assistance at one go to remaining 25 lakh farmers in the State,” said Patnaik.

Such announcement to lure voters when the model code of conduct is in force has now become the point of discussion.

While addressing the gathering, Patnaik claimed that farmers’ welfare is on the top of BJD’s poll manifesto and not a single farmer will be deprived of the KALIA scheme benefits.

“Odisha government so far failed to provide its beneficiary list and such statements are mere poll gimmicks,” said BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra.

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