Bhubaneswar/Paradip: Political slugfest over inauguration of `35,000-crore-worth oil refinery project at Paradip has taken a twist with BJP accusing BJD of hijacking the event.
The ruling BJD had held a preparatory meet at Paradip to make the February 7 event successful in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit.
BJD vice-president and cooperation and excise minister Damodar Rout said Friday, “As desired by the Chief Minister, the meeting decided to accord a warm welcome to Modi at the event and ensure its success.”
However, the saffron party alleged the BJD has been trying to hijack the inaugural programme from the BJP.
“The ruling BJD has been claiming to provide subsidy rice for one rupee a kilo while it was part of the central subsidy given to the poor people in the state. Likewise, they are also trying to show that the Oil refinery inauguration event is being organised by the BJD,” said BJP state unit president Basant Panda, adding, “If they (BJD leaders) try to hijack the programme, people of the state will give them a befitting reply in the coming days.”
Meanwhile, lambasting the BJP for ‘false allegations’ against the ruling party, Rout said the launch of a publicity van with the poster of Dharmedra Pradhan in parts of the state, ‘‘is utilising public money for the party’s publicity. If they have guts they should come to the field after February 7 (after IOCL event) and then we will see who is right and has public support.”
Rout said most of the constituencies in Paradip and its nearby areas have a strong BJD presence and it is obvious that they will attend the event. “They will come to attend the event which the PM and CM will attend and it is not meant to show BJD strength,” the senior ruling party leader said. PNN
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