Hinting at emergence of third front in the national politics, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik dubbed the Congress as ‘corrupt’ and BJP ‘communal’.
“Both the parties cannot give stable Government on their own. Hence, a secular, transparent and stable Government at the Centre is the only alternative for the nation,” he said here on Sunday.
Asking his party workers and leaders to work hard and ensure victory of more BJD candidates in the Assembly as well as Lok Sabha elections, he said, “We can effectively fight for the interest of Odisha if more BJD candidates are elected to the Lok Sabha.”
Accusing the Centre of neglecting Odisha, he said the State had been a victim of political discrimination by the Congress-led UPA Government. “The Centre neglected Odisha even in calamities like cyclone Phailin. Not a single Minister from the Centre visited the cyclone affected areas. This attitude of the Centre is against the federal system of the country, said Naveen.
They are shedding crocodile tears, but in reality they have always been showing step motherly attitude towards the State, he added.
The Chief Minister said the people of the State had rejected both the Congress and the BJP in the recently concluded urban local body elections because of the developmental works undertaken during the BJD regime.
“But one should not take people’s support as unconditional. We have to work hard and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said.
At the meeting, noted industrialist Rabindra Kumar Jena joined BJD along with his 10,000 supporters. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the developmental works of the State Government and the Odisha’s progress to become one of top five States in the country.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated Talasari beach festival and newly constructed bridge over river Khaljodi. He also inaugurated the golden jubilee function of LN High School at Mahagaba and laid the foundation stone for construction of a bridge over river Chitei and a grid sub-station at Santeghari near Bhogarai.
He was accompanied by all BJD MLAs of the district, former ministers Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Pramila Mallick.