BERHAMPUR: THE BJD Government in the State has failed to create irrigation facilities in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts during its 17-year rule. The State Government has also failed miserably to solve the drinking water problem of Berhampur, said Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan here on Friday.
Attending a function, ‘Misrana Parba’, where Congress and CPI leaders joined the BJP, on the home turf of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Pradhan said people now want a change in the State Government. “They have faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his people-oriented policies,” he said.
Several leaders of BJD, Congress, CPI besides retired officials of various organisations in Ganjam district joined the BJP in the presence of Pradhan.
The function was organised by local unit of BJP, led by Kanhu Charan Pati.
Welcoming the new entrants, Pradhan said, “India is marching ahead under the able leadership of Modi. Sincere efforts have been made by the Centre for all-round development of the States, including Odisha.”
Comparing the rule of Naveen Patnaik in Odisha and Modi’s rule as Gujarat chief minister, Pradhan said while Modi changed the face of Gujarat, Naveen has not done much to propel Odisha into a developed State. Even though several rivers are flowing through the State, water has always been a nagging problem for the people of the three districts.
At an informal meeting with mediapersons, Pradhan advocated linking of Mahanadi and Rushikulya rivers saying it will enable creation of irrigation potential in several districts and mitigate the problem of drinking water scarcity in Berhampur.
The water of Mahanadi goes waste, he said, adding, “it can be utilised by linking the two rivers, which will benefit the people of the southern part of the State.”
Pradhan, accompanied by his party leaders, also visited the temporary abode of Budhi Thakurani at Desi Behera street and offered prayers.
Earlier, the Union Minister attended a function to celebrate the birth anniversary of Utkal Gaurab Madhusudan Das in the city and at Ganjam Bar Association.