Samikhsya Bureau
Opening his campaign pitch for Odisha at Jeypore today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the state’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of misrule and urged the public for its ouster in the upcoming polls. He also came down heavily on Congress and other opposition parties at the Center for questioning his national address on A-SAT tests and details of recent military operations.
“Do you want to punish BJD for its misgovernance of the state for so long? Do you think those tainted with chit fund scam will be able to bring progress? You have plenty of natural resources, but do you think corrupt leaders can attract industries to the state? Can people, who have not punished those accused of perpetrating crime against women, assure the safety of women in the state? I know what is in your mind, I know the answer and I know I will see it in the result,” said Modi during the Bijay Sankalp Samavesh rally here.
Listing out achievements of his government in the state he thanked the public for their unwavering support to him during his 5 year term and said, “My government was able to provide pucca houses to eight lakh poor families, smoke free cooking experience by distributing gas connections to 40 lakh families under Ujjwala scheme & free electricity in 24 lakh houses of 3000 villages in the state. This was possible only because of your support and blessings”.
Echoing his double engine theory — that requires to have a single party government at both state and Center to bring in faster growth — he asked the party to vote for BJP in both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.
He also took potshots at Congress and ridiculed them for trying to speak the language of Pakistan.
“Opposition parties have come down to question our scientists and army. It has been a month and Pakistan is still counting bodies. When India takes action against terrorists, enters their home and kills them, some here ask for proof,” quipped Modi to loud cheers from the crowd.
Eerlier, opening his speech in Odia, Modi congratulated tribal agricultural activist from Koraput and Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari and introduced the local Lok Sabha and Assembly candidates — striking a chord with the audience.
