Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 21: Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram is apparently miffed at his exclusion from a list of central ministers who would publicise the Modi government’s achievements through a high-profile media blitz starting Friday, but tried to strike a conciliatory note Thursday.
The BJP-led government is organising the media meets by senior ministers from May 22 to June 10, in major cities across the country including Bhubaneswar while the government completes its one year May 26. “A select number of ministers, who are holding top portfolios and are more capable to articulate things in a batter way, have been asked to hold the meets,” Oram told Orissa Post over phone. “I am satisfied with this decision,” he said, but a source close to him said this appeared to have upset him.
The exclusion of the tribal affairs minister from holding a press meet to mark the occasion has invited strong criticism from the BJD and state Congress. BJD MP Jhina Hikaka said, “The move shows the kind of vision they (BJP) have for the tribals of the country.”
“In the past one year, the Centre has not taken a single substantial step for development of tribes and tribal areas. On the other hand, it has delinked several schemes such as Integrated Action Plan, BRGF and KBK Yojana from the provision of central assistance.,” the BJD MP and tribal leader said.
Likewise, Congress MLA from the tribal-dominated region of Dabugaon, Bhujabal Majhi, also criticised the move. He said, “The pro-corporate government hardly bothered about development of tribals. All major schemes implemented during UPA rule have been cancelled by the Modi government.”
A senior BJP leader said, “There is a long list of central ministers and all cannot be listed.”
