Odisha Congress Chief Targets CM Naveen Over His Letter To People Ahead Of Polls

Bhubaneswar, Mar 19: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Sarat Pattnayak on Tuesday targeted the BJD government over Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's 'appeal letter' to the people of the State ahead of polls.

"The Chief Minister blackmailed people of the State by writing a letter," alleged Pattanayak.

He further alleged that the BJD government has sat silent after looting central schemes, while people are going outside the State to earn a livelihood.

"Despite the alarming situation, the Chief Minister says he is happy," ridiculed the Congress leader.

Pattanyak said the Chief Minister seeking people's support for 10 more years is meaningless. "When he could not make Odisha number one in 25 years, how he would do it in the next 10 years," asked Pattanayak.

He also alleged that minerals are being looted and tribals' land stolen in the State.

Pattanayak wanted the details of donors who contributed whopping Rs 900 crore to BJD's fund and the quid pro quo should made public soon.

He said people will give a befitting reply to the BJD in the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Regarding the selection of candidates for the LS and Assembly seats, the Congress leader said the process for ticket distribution is going on.

Claiming that senior leaders (from Opposition paries) are in touch with them, Pattanayak said the screening committee of the Congress will meet after Holi for the second time and finalise party tickets.