Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the opposition during electioneering in Jagatsinghpur Lok Sabha constituency on Monday.
Addressing a large crowd, Patnaik accused the opposition leaders of spreading lies and shedding crocodile tears.
Patnaik sought feedback from the audience on his government’s various welfare initiatives, including Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), Mission Shakti, Mamata Scheme, LAccMI Bus service, 5T School Transformation, Students’ Scholarship, KALIA scheme, Madhubabu Pension Yojana, the Ration Card scheme, and the Puri Parikrama project. The crowd responded enthusiastically, affirming their approval with a resounding “yes” to all the schemes.
Patnaik reiterated his promise that starting in July, the electricity bill would be waived, and the BJD government would provide free electricity. He asked the crowd if they were happy with this decision, and they responded positively, expressing their joy.
In a personal appeal, Patnaik asked the crowd if they believed he was a good leader. The audience responded emotionally and in unison, declared him “very good.”
Senior BJD leader Kartik Pandian, who also addressed the gathering, echoed Patnaik’s sentiments. He criticized the BJP’s election manifesto, which promises to implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojana if elected. Pandian pointed out that this scheme would cover only 2 crore families in Odisha, benefiting just half of the population, whereas the BSKY covers 98% of the state’s residents. He urged the audience to choose between partial and comprehensive coverage.
Pandian also took a jab at the BJP’s promise of free electricity, claiming it would require an investment of Rs 50,000 for solar panel installation, which he dismissed as impractical. He accused the BJP of making unrealistic promises, referencing their previous unfulfilled promise of providing Rs 15 lakh to each citizen.
