The Maha Samabesh of the BJD on Friday turned out to be big show of strength. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik not just put the party detractors in the firing line, he minced no words against the Centre.
Addressing a mammoth gathering, Naveen said the UPA Government is not giving mineral royalty despite earning huge revenue. The railway sector in the State remains neglected. No special package has been granted to Odisha as being doled out to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Reeling out several programmes initiated by his Government, Naveen said there is an ambitious plan to generate ten lakh employment in the next five years through skill development programmes.
Various leaders called Naveen as the undisputed leader of the State and said any attempt to topple him would not be tolerated.
Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for construction of new fire station building at Kanisi on the outskirts of the city and before leaving for Bhubaneswar inaugurated the model flower market of RMC, Digapahandi at Ambapua.
For the last five days, the BJD leaders in the district made hectic preparations for the Maha Samabesh, the first of its kind. Three ministers, SN Patra, Bikram Keshari Arukh and Usha Devi, MPs, MLAs and other party leaders were present.
At least 22 platoons of armed police force with around 127 police officers including 12 DSPs were deployed for the rally.