BHUBANESWAR: Even as BJP national president Amit Shah questioned Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik about his achievements during his 17 years in office, the BJD on Friday referred to the massive cut in funds from several welfare schemes during the two years after Narendra Modi Government assumed power at the Centre.
Criticising Shah for maintaining silence on Mahanadi and Polavaram issues during his speech, BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb sought to know the motive behind such a political speech which avoided the main problems faced by Odisha.
Referring to Shah's speech in which he exhorted BJP workers show trailer to BJD Government in panchayat polls, Deb said, "If this was the trailer, the film will not run." The Mahasamabesh was a flop show, he said.
Deb said besides the massive funds cut from several schemes, Central assistance has also been reduced during the period. This apart, Odisha is yet to receive assistance from the Centre for tribal development, he said.
Meanwhile, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Prasad Harichandan alleged that there is a secret pact between the BJP and BJD as was evident from the speech of Shah which avoided many key corruption issues including chit fund and mining scams. Harichandan alleged that while the CBI asked all information regarding vehicle passes issued by the State Assembly, the CM went to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides, the CM also did not take part in any protest against demonetisation as has been done by other political parties, he said.
Harichandan also criticised Shah for not responding to the five questions raised by him before the visit.