ONI Bureau: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a scathing attack on Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and BJD Government, raising questions on various issues while launching the ‘Jabab Maguchhi Odisha’ programme of BJP. Dharmendra linked chit fund scam accused Saroj Sahu to Naveen Patnaik, asking him to clarify what this man was doing at Naveen Niwas and how he is linked to him.
A charged-up Dharmendra challenged Naveen for a debate on various issues related to Odisha. “People of Odisha want answers from you, as you have been ruling the state for over 18 years. You can’t hide behind the excuses. You can’t move away from your responsibility. Jabab Maguchhi Odisha (Odisha seeks answers) and you have to answer today,” said Dharmendra.
He also rejected Naveen’s claims that land acquisition has been completed on Khordha-Bolangir railway project. “I dare the CM to disclose which land have been acquired for the project. Several land in Subarnapur and Boudh have not yet been acquired. Same happened for Haridaspur-Paradip railway line. The CM is misleading the people,” he said.
Taking a dig at Naveen Patnaik’s pitch for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, Dharmendra asked how many women are part of Naveen Patnaik’s Cabinet today. He also asked Naveen to stop shedding crocodile tears for women at a time when victims of Kunduli, Pipli and Gumudumaha were deprived of justice.
On the issue of fuel prices, Dharmendra said, the petrol and diesel prices have been slashed by Rs 20 in the last two months, but people of Odisha are unable to avail more benefits due to the unwillingness of the State Govt to reduce VAT.
“Naveen Patnaik must answer about his government’s role in chit fund scam, mining scam and PC culture”, Dharmendra said while invoking the name of Saroj Sahu several times during his speech.