BJD sings old paean of central neglect, Opp pooh poohs  

BHUBANESWAR: Harping on the same old string, BJD supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday once again cried foul against central neglect issue.

Addressing the party workers on the occasion of BJD’s 18^th foundation day, Patnaik said his party would continue to protest against central negligence.

He said while natural calamities are weakening the state’s economy and hurting farmers, the central government has always neglected the state.

The Chief Minister also attacked the opposition and said BJD is not into the business of shedding crocodile tears like the opposition.

He said his government always believes on work not shedding crocodile tears.

Highlighting the state government’s role in mitigating the drought-like situation, Patnaik said, “Odisha has announced drought package and Rs 10k crore loan assistance for affected farmers.”

With Odisha’s 100th birth anniversary slated to be celebrated in 2036, Patnaik said that preparations to mark the occasion would begin from 2016.

“A vision document- Odisha at 100- will be prepared to ensure holistic development of the state by 2036,” he added.

The chief minister also informed that Biju Patnaik’s 100th birth anniversary would be celebrated next year, and efforts will be made to mark the occasion from village to international level.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress and BJP pooh-poohed the central neglect bash of Naveen Patnaik.

“The Chief Minister has already shown several sweet dreams earlier and prepared vision documents. The people of Odisha know how many of them fulfilled. The Chief Minister is a master to hoodwink the people,” said the leader of opposition Narasingh Mishra.

State BJP president KV Singhdeo said the ruling BJD is tuning in the old song by raising central neglect since last 15 years.