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Jharsuguda: Ahead of the crucial 2019 elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked up a political storm by targeting Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government while addressing a public meeting at Jharsuguda today.
Modi alleged that 'corruption' and delay in decision making have become the identity of the Odisha government and these have obstructed development of the State.
"PC (Corrupt percentage commission practice in government works) culture is prevalent in Odisha and 'isi PC ke wajah se log peeste ja rahe hain. Without giving bribes, the poor people are not able to get their works done," said Modi while addressing a rally at Amalipali.
Modi further stated that how can there be development in Odisha when there are allegations of corruption and scams against the local government? Be it the sapling scam, cooperative scam, road construction or irrigation, corruption has percolated everywhere, Modi said.
Citing that the BJP-led government at the Centre has provided nearly Rs 2 lakh crore assistance to Odisha; Modi questioned where is all the money going as there has been no development on the ground.
"Hence time has come for a change which will usher in new development phase in Odisha. The BJP-led government at the Centre is committed for the development of Odisha and its youths are full of energy and ready to break the shackles of decades of backwardness," Modi added.
The Prime Minister also rapped the Odisha government for not accepting the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Modi said that Odisha's own health scheme will provide limited benefits to the people of the State.
"The government at the Centre is trying to give Odisha and its people the glory and development which they truly deserve," said Modi.
Attacking the Congress, Modi said the Jharsuguda-Barapali-Sardega rail link which was inaugurated today, was stuck under the UPA government.
"The work started in 2006, but less than 30 per cent work was completed while the Congress government was in power,” said Modi.
Earlier, while addressing a 'Jan Samavesh' in Talcher, Modi also took a dig at Naveen Patnaik government for the poor state of affairs of the health sector. He also stated that Odisha govt is able to implement Re 1 rice scheme in the State because the Centre contributes Rs 450 crore for the same.
Responding to the corruption allegations levelled by PM Modi, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said, “He (PM) must have said so to enthuse his political workers. In fact they should be thinking of their own skill mission and Ujjwala scams and also thinking very seriously about the rocketing fuel prices:”
On allegations of Odisha not opting for the Centre's own Ayushman Bharat scheme and Food Security Act, Patnaik said, “The State’s health scheme covers extra 50 lakh people which the Central scheme doesn’t provide for. The State’s Food Security Act also covers additional 25 lakh people and our health scheme provides health benefit of Rs 7 lakh to women against Rs 5 lakh provided under the Central scheme.”
Similarly, responding to PM Modi’s allegations, BJD spokesperson Arun Sahoo said that whatever assistance is being given to Odisha is through the Food Security Act and not due to mercy.
“PM was addressing own party activists and it was not a public meeting. MCI and many other experts have hailed Biju Swastha Kalyan Yojana which is better than Centre’s Ayushman Bharat,” said Sahoo.
Sahoo further stated that in many sectors, Odisha is the model state which has been recognized by the Government of India.
