Odisha rich in resources, its people still poor, says Amit Shah

Hitting out at the BJD government in Odisha, BJP president Amit Shah said Friday the state is rich in natural resources and minerals, but its people continue to remain poor under the Naveen Patnaik-led dispensation.

Addressing a rally here, Shah said the BJD government's rule in the state was marked by "misrule and corruption".

Taking a jibe at the chief minister, Shah said, "Even after 19 years of rule in Odisha, Naveen (Patnaik) babu cannot talk to his people in Odia." He asserted that people across the country are raising slogans in favour of the BJP.

"From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Odisha to Gujarat, people are raising slogans in favour of Narendra Modi. We can hear Modi... Modi... chants everywhere," Shah said. Slamming the opposition Congress, Shah said "Rahul Baba's party ruled the country for 70 years, but could not do anything for the welfare of the poor."

"The BJP-led government, on the other hand, launched an era of development in the country, marked by speedy and concrete steps to eradicate poverty," he insisted. Sharing his plans for the tribal-dominated district, the BJP chief said a steel plant will be set up here if the the saffron party is re-elected to power.

"Under District Mineral Fund, Rs 1600 crore has been allocated to this district. All forest produces will be procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP) from the tribals and no GST will be levied on tendu leaves," Shah added.

-PTI