Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 26: Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik Friday said the success of the party in the state has become a cause of concern for national parties and hence they are defaming his party.
“The success of our party is a cause of concern for national parties. They are now attempting to defame our party,” said the Chief Minister at a gathering on the BJD party office premises here on the occasion of the 17th foundation day of the ruling party.
“After facing continuous defeat in the elections, they (the national parties) have indulged in attempting to spoil the BJD’s image. They have never been with the people of Orissa, nor will they ever be,” said Patnaik.
“The BJD resides in hearts of more than four crore Oriyas and it would always fight for their interest. The opposition parties won’t be successful in their plan,” he said.
Patnaik said Orissa continued to be a victim of Central apathy.
The BJD chief alleged discrimination in Central allocation to states. “Central aid is the right of the state under the federal structure,” stressed the Chief Minister. “There should be no political consideration while allocating funds to the states under the federal structure,” he said.
“The BJD has emerged as a secular and progressive political party. It
is committed to protecting the
interests of the state. It will continue its fight against Central negligence,” he said.
“Our objective is service, struggle, good governance and dignity,” said Patnaik.
“The state government has adopted BJD’s election manifesto in the first cabinet meeting to fulfil the promises made to the people,” said Patnaik, who claimed that Orissa’s plan size has increased manifold and the state’s growth rate in the last 17 years has remained above the national average.
Patnaik lauded Orissa’s achievements in previous years. “The state has witnessed remarkable economic growth and industrial development during the BJD rule,” he said.
“While it has received international recognition for its efficient handling of cyclone Phailin in 2013, it has bagged awards twice in the field of agriculture production,” the Chief Minister said at the gathering
The Chief Minister asked his party members to work dedicatedly to strengthen the party at the grassroot level and expedite the membership drive. He also stressed on the need to include more youths and women in the party, so as to further strengthen its base. P 5