Odisha: National parties not sincere about problems of masses, says CM Naveen Patnaik

Phulbani: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said that the people of the state have rejected both BJP and Congress for their hollow words and reposed faith in BJD which is "sincerely working to wipe out poverty and accelerate development".

"People of Odisha have rejected both BJP and Congress as these national parties are not sincere about addressing the basic problems faced by the masses," he told a BJD poll rally at Phiringia for the October 15 by-election to Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat.

Claiming that Congress and BJP are not bothered about the welfare of the people, Patnaik said it had driven them away from the voters in Odisha and led to their dismal performance in the last elections.

"The people have realised that these national parties would never work for the welfare of the poor and development of the state. "On the other hand, they have reposed their faith in BJD as they know that the regional party alone is capable of working for the development of Odisha by eradicating poverty and ensuring empowerment of weaker sections," Patnaik claimed.

The Chief Minister said that he would serve the state and its people till his last breath and the BJD government in Odisha is sincerely implementing the promises made by the party in its election manifesto for the general election. Referring to the development works undertaken by the government, he said steps had been initiated to convert all kuchha dwelling units into pucca ones, a special policy has been formulated for women empowerment and the government is committed to provide jobs to the unemployed youths.

Promising concrete steps for speedy development of backward and tribal-dominated Kandhamal, the chief minister said stress is being given on promoting horticulture in the region. BJD candidate for Kandhamal LS seat, Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh said she would work whole heartedly for fulflling the dreams of her late husband Hemendra Chandra Singh, who had won the seat in the April polls. The by-election was necessitated following the demise of Singh last month.