Odisha CM sets the tone for BJD campaign in panchayat polls

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik today set the tone of the campaign for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the panchayat polls.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik | PTI
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik | PTI

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today set the tone of the campaign for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the panchayat polls by raising the issue of central neglect and conspiracy against Odisha at the meeting of the legal cell of the regional outfit here.

"The rivers, especially Mahanadi, are the lifeline of Odisha. But Odisha has been repeatedly denied its rights. Both in Polavaram and Mahanadi, we have been a victim of central neglect and conspiracy," the chief minister said addressing the meeting.

Announcing that the BJD is determined to fight this issue at every level till the desired results are achieved, the chief minister criticised the Centre for stopping the release of funds for the KBK region.

"Another important example of central neglect is the denial of funds for KBK region," Naveen said and added that tribal students are also facing in getting a central scholarship in higher education due to the indifferent attitude of the Government of India. He called upon the members of the legal front of the party to strengthen the fight on this issue.

"I certainly believe as the legal luminaries of the State, you have the legal expertise and moral responsibility to strengthen our fight on this issue," he said.

Stating that Odisha has for the last several years been regarded as a model state in providing social security to people, the chief minister said the government has put in place a robust social welfare mechanism that covers every section of society starting from infants to old and infirm, women, farmers, labourers and every other under-privileged group.

He said the members of the legal front will carry forward the message to the people and contribute to strengthen the BJD in the panchayat polls. The chief minister said Odisha is among the few states which has taken a number of initiatives to strengthen the panchayati raj system.

"We have successfully empowered people at the panchayat level to carry out the planning and implementation process of basic infrastructure facilities like Bijli, Sadak and Pani in rural areas," he said.

State convenor of the Front, Milan Kumar Kanungo presided over the meeting. Minister of state for law Arun Kumar Sahu, BJD MLAs Debasis Samantray, Priyadarshi Mishra, Bijoy Mohanty, general secretary of the Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) Bijoy Nayak, all state, zonal and district office-bearers of the Front attended.

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