GAISILET (BARGARH): With only a day remaining for campaign to end in by-poll bound Bijepur, the three major political parties went all guns blazing to woo voters for their respective candidates on Wednesday. BJD campaign for party candidate Ritarani Sahu was led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who addressed public meetings at Kalangapali and Bijepur. Heading the BJP campaign were Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Minister of State for Rural Development Ram Kripal Yadav who addressed a series of public meetings and held road shows seeking votes for party nominee Ashok Panigrahi.
Addressing an impressive gathering at Kalangapali, Naveen said the acute scarcity of water for irrigation and drinking in the area would be resolved soon. The State Government has launched Parbati Giri Mega LI Project which would irrigate land in the drought-prone block, the CM said.
He also highlighted the efforts of State Government for inclusion of Sambalpuri/Kosli language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and protest demanding withdrawal of GST from handloom. Urging people to vote for Sahu, Naveen said he would personally supervise the development of Bijepur Assembly segment.
On the other hand, Yadav termed Naveen-led Government as ‘PC (Percentage) Sarkar’. Speaking at a public meeting in Jagalpat, the Union Minister said development of Odisha was confined to officers, netas and BJD workers. All money sent by the Centre is gobbled up by these people as no work is being done without PC, he said.
Yadav further said the BJD Government had no moral right to continue in the State as it has failed to make water available in the region despite being in power for the last 18 years. He said Naveen has failed to implement several schemes of the Union Government in order to deprive Prime Minister Narendra Modi from taking credit. During the meeting, Yadav faced a minor mishap as a wooden plank on the stage gave away. However, he escaped unhurt. The Union Minister also addressed meetings at Badshajbahal, Kathaumal, Gourenmunda, Kendumunda, Lebdi and Sandhibahal.