Naveen not implementing central schemes on political consideration: Irani

Bhubaneswar: Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani on Sunday accused Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of depriving the people of the state from the benefits of central schemes.

She said the state government is not implementing Ayushman Bharat Yojana on political consideration.

“At a time when the state government admitted in Assembly that over 60 percent women and children are suffering from anaemia and the state also tops in malnourishment rate, Naveen babu opposed the Ayushman Bharat yojana depriving poor people to avail the health benefits,” said the Minister.

Addressing the extended executive meeting of BJP, she also hit out at the state government for not reducing taxes on fuel despite the union government announcing Rs 2.50 per litre cut on petrol and diesel prices.

Irani said Patnaik was not ready to reduce state tax for giving relief to the people.

She also highlighted the deteriorating law and order in the state.

She said the state government has failed to provide safety and security to the women and children.