Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 12: Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik Tuesday said there was no deal between the BJD government and the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre as alleged by Congress.
‘‘This is absolutely untruthful and incorrect. There is no deal with BJP. We expect all support from the Centre for the state’s development,’’ Patnaik told reporters on his return to the capital after a week-long trip to Delhi.
Referring to the allegation made by leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra (Cong) Patnaik said it is not correct.
Earlier, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had also refuted the allegation made by Congress.
Mishra had questioned May 7 the ‘mysterious silence’ of the chief minister over reduced central allocation to Orissa. The BJD had talked of central neglect during the UPA rule, but it has remained silent over Centre’s move to delink eight centrally sponsored schemes.
Upgarding police
When mediapersons asked the Chief Minister about the recent spat over a statement made by DGP Sanjiv Marik on modernination of police force in the state, Patnaik said, “I will examine what is being said.”
Earlier, Marik said April 29, “Stopping of funds for police modernisation will certainly affect the police force. The Centre should review its decision. The state used to get Rs 127 crore per annum under various heads for development of the police.”
Alleging that the BJD has been engaging IAS and IPS officers as political stooge in the state, Dhermendra Pradhan had said the officers must remember they are employees of the Central government. Two other Union Ministers supported Pradhan’s contention.
Land Bill
Asked about the likely stand of BJD on new Land Acquisition Bill in the Upper House, Patnaik said everyone will get to know his party’s stand once it is presented in the house.
“You will see that our stand will be very clear once it comes to the floor of the house,” the Chief Minister said.
The chief minister during his visit to Delhi had discussed with party MPs on moving an amendment on making farmers as stakeholders in the enterprise for which their land is acquired. Patnaik also advised his party MPs to raise Orissa-related issues vigorously in Parliament.
