Naveen Patnaik targets Centre on BJD Foundation Day

While celebrating the 17th Foundation Day of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik hit out at the centre, saying it has been neglecting Odisha in all matters and not doing enough to help the state grow and develop. This is the first time Naveen used such strong words against the Modi Government.

The CM alleged discrimination by successive government towards Odisha. He cited examples of central assistance, saying the state is yet to receive the pending aid towards 2013 Cyclone Phailin and has not received anything towards Cyclone Hudhud damages.

Naveen Patnaik thanked the people of Odisha for reposing trust on BJD, which retained power in the state since 2000. “Our motto is service, struggle, good governance and dignity,” he said.

Patnaik said that the success of BJD in Odisha is cause of concern for national parties – Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party. Naveen Patnaik alleged conspiracy by national parties such as Congress and BJP to malign the ruling BJD.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik claimed that the Odisha’s growth rate was remained above the national average for last 17 years and the state plan size was also increased.

The BJP MP from Bhubaneswar, Prasanna Patsani criticized the Central Government for not conferring Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award, to Biju Patnaik. But, he forgot that BJD never pushed for it.

Tourism Minister and BJD MLA from Ekamra seat Ashok Panda said, “They (the Centre) have not done right thing. They should not ignore the contribution of Biju Babu”.