Naveen asks BJD workers to adopt ‘simple living’

Bhubaneswar, Dec 26 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday told the workers of his Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to practice "simple living with high thinking", adding that the people are the "ultimate masters" in a democracy.

"Simplicity has its own power which connects to the masses. In the words of Dr (A.P.J. Abdul) Kalam, truth and simplicity are self-maintained without any cost. Simplicity is paramount in public life. It should be our motto in life," said Patnaik while addressing a huge gathering in Puri on the occasion of the 20th Foundation Day of the BJD.

"Address people's problems with a sympathetic attitude. People are our ultimate master. So, serve them with all humility and fulfil the promises made to them."

Stressing that between service and power, the former is the way to get closer to people, the BJD President said: "It is indeed a noble quality. One can win the heart of people by service. Thus, serve people and make space in their hearts."

There is no value of power, prestige and property against the love of people, Patnaik said.

The Chief Minister said that his party, in the last 20 years, has engineered a "social revolution" and also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Odisha for their love and affection and giving him the opportunity to serve them.

Recollecting his joining electoral politics when he was first elected as an MP from Aska in 1997, Patnaik said: "My life has been dedicated in the service of Odisha and its people since the beginning of my political career."

On the other hand, opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeted the regional party, saying that it has engrossed in loot since last 17 years.

"The Chief Minister indirectly accepted that BJD politicians were engrossed in loot. After 20 years of failure, the state government is now asking people for another chance but will not get one," said Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.