Suryakant Jena

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today came down heavily on the State government and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik alleging failure in addressing several issues in Odisha.

"Women are not safe in the State, unemployment is at all time high, conditon of tribals is worse and it is better not to talk about farmers so it is high time that this corrupt government should be thrown out of power," said Pradhan.

The Union Minister's comments came during a public rally on the sidelines of his party's 'Jabab Maguchhi Odisha' programme in Bhanjanagar area of Ganjam district.

Pradhan said people of Odisha are slowly tilting towards bringing a change in the government.

He further added, "The way people from every nook and corner of the State are supporting the saffron party, I firmly believe that people of the state will bring the much-required change."

Speaking on BJD's demand for hike in paddy MSP and their scheduled sit-in protest in New Delhi on January 8, Pradhan said the members of the ruling party are shedding crocodile tears and the farming community of the State will give a befitting reply to them in 2019 elections.

Pradhan also criticised the State government saying that the Pipili gang rape victim was not delivered justice and added that women and girls are being denied good healthcare.

Responding to Pradhan's comments, BJD Spokesperson Sameer Das said BJD has successfully come out on top in last four terms due to its development based agenda.

"We had mentioned about several important issues in our election manifesto during 2014 elections and have so far fulfilled almost all our promises so we hope that the BJD will come out with flying colours during the upcoming elections," Das said.

Das further added that CM Naveen has strictly directed for re-investigation into Pipili gang rape case so that the victim will get justice.

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