Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday blamed the ruling BJD and the Congress governments for the poverty in Odisha, stating that both the parties looted the state for 50 and 25 years.
Asserting that the BJD government in the state will expire on June 4, the Prime Minister urged the voters to give BJP a chance to make Odisha the "number one state in the country."
"The expiry date of the BJD government here is written as June 4. Today is May 6, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate will be decided on June 6. The swearing-in ceremony of the BJP chief minister will be held in Bhubaneswar on June 10. Today I have come to invite everyone for the swearing-in ceremony of the chief minister of the BJP government," Modi told people at an election rally in Behrampur.
"In Odisha, two 'Yagya' are happening together. One is for making a strong government in India and the other is to form a strong state government in Odisha led by BJP. Your enthusiasm shows that the double-engine government is going to form in Odisha for the first time," he added.
He also claimed that Odisha has not benefitted from Ayushman Bharat Yojana as the "BJD government did not implement" it in the state. The Centre gave Rs 10,000 crore under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' scheme to Odisha but the BJD dispensation could not spend the money properly, he alleged.
Modi said that the people of resources rich Odisha remained poor due to Congress and BJD. "In Odisha, it was Congress for around 50 years, and BJD for around 25 years. But what happened, everyone has seen. Odisha has a fertile land, mineral resources, sea coasts, a trade centre like that of Berhampur, culture, heritage and whatnot...Still, the people of this 'rich' Odisha remained poor...Who is responsible for this sin? The answer is Congress and BJD," said PM Modi.
"We released a visionary manifesto for Odisha promising jobs for youths and women and health facilities for senior citizens. BJP fulfils what it says: Modi added.
The Prime Minister also took a dig at BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Modi asked why labourers from his Chief Minister's constituency Hinjili migrate to other states. "Why are doctors' posts vacant in most hospitals here? Why do most children drop out of schools?" he asked.
The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha will be held simultaneously.
