PM Modi says BJD govt will expire on June 4; BJP ‘daydreaming’, hits back Odisha CM
The prime minister claimed that the people of Odisha have strength and passion, but the BJD govt did not give them the right opportunities
PM Modi also claimed that Odisha has not benefited from the Ayushman Bharat Yojana as the "BJD government did not implement" it in the state. | Photo: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 6) called himself “son of Lord Jagannath" and asserted that the expiry date of the BJD government in Odisha is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced.
Addressing his first election rally in the state, Modi urged people to give a chance to the BJP to make Odisha the number one state in the country.
In an apparent dig at BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the prime minister said, “Odisha needs a CM who understands Odia language and culture. The BJP will form a double-engine government here after the ongoing elections. The expiry date of the BJD government is June 4, 2024,” Modi said at the Berhampur rally.
‘Working for tribal welfare’
Addressing another rally in Nabarangpur, the tribal heartland of Odisha, the prime minister claimed that his government has been working for the welfare of indigenous people.
"You have seen the track record of 10 years of Modi's leadership. Modi increased the budget for tribal welfare by five times than the earlier allocation,” the PM said at the Nabaragpur rally.
Modi claimed that his government at the Centre has set up 'Eklavya Model Residential' schools in tribal areas and the number of such schools has crossed 400, he said. "People belonging to ST, SC and OBC categories comprise seven per cent in his ministry," he said.
Referring to President Droupadi Murmu, the prime minister also said that the BJP has given the country's highest post to a daughter of Odisha.
‘BJD sabotaging schemes’
PM Modi also claimed that Odisha has not benefitted from the 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.
Paddy farmers in Chhattisgarh get MSP of Rs 3,100 per quintal, but those in Odisha receive Rs 2,100, he alleged. He also accused the BJD government of "not allowing schemes made by Modi to be implemented in Odisha".
The prime minister claimed that the people of Odisha have strength and passion, but the BJD government did not give them the right opportunities.
"You have given 50 years to Congress and 25 years to BJD. Just give five years to the BJP. We will make Odisha the number one state in the country," Modi said at the rally.
He also said, "We released a visionary manifesto for Odisha promising jobs for youths and women and health facilities for senior citizens. BJP fulfils what it says." The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha will be held simultaneously.
Patnaik hits back
"I have come here to invite you to the swearing-in ceremony of BJP's CM on June 10. On that day, we will implement the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which the Naveen Patnaik government has been resisting. This son of Lord Jagannath will take care of all senior citizens under this scheme," Modi said.
On the other hand, responding to PM Modi's claim, Chief Minister Patnaik said the BJP is daydreaming about forming government in Odisha.
Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian also said, “Patnaik would take oath as the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm on June 9.”
(With agency inputs)