BJP, Congress attack Odisha government over poor performance

Bhubaneswar, June 7 (IANS) A day after Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik claimed that his government has done exceedingly well, the BJP and the Congress on Tuesday hit out at the state government for failing to address the basic problems of the people.

"The Chief Minister blames others and sheds crocodile tears even after being in power for sixteen years. This is a bankrupt, untrustworthy and incompetent government," Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

He also slammed the government for failing to provide electricity to BPL (below poverty line) families.

He said while 50 per cent of agricultural allocation remains unspent, not a single district in the state has prepared correct National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries list.

Pradhan also sought details of the one million people who were provided shelter as claimed by the state government.

Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Prasad Harichandan said while the state government has failed in accomplishing the minimum requirements of the people of the state, it is boasting that it has met all the promises it made in its election manifesto.

Harichandan also blamed the Centre for lack of development in the state.

The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) countered the allegations by saying it had no idea what opposition parties were talking about.

"The statements of Dharmendra Pradhan prove that he is intellectually bankrupt. So far as bankruptcy of the state is concerned, he should read the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report," said BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb.

He also attacked the Centre for slashing spending on agriculture, health, education and women empowerment in budgetary allocations.