Puri, May 9: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday alleged that the people of Odisha have been deprived of justice even after 75 years of Independence due to the negligence of the various State governments. 

Addressing a huge election rally at Krushnaprasad Charichhak in Puri district, Gadkari gave a detailed account of road, transport and highway projects underway in Odisha and promised to do all proposed projects, emphasizing port connectivity and construction of economic corridors for enhancing people's and the State's income.  

He said the Central government has already approved a proposal for the construction of an airport at Paradip for Rs 200 crore. A six-lane highway will be constructed from Rayagada to Vishakhapatnam, he said.

He too informed that a ring road will be constructed covering Khurda, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. This ring road will reduce the travel time between Khurda and Cuttack by one and half an hour, he said. 

The BJP heavyweight said a four-lane economic corridor will be constructed from Ranchi to Sambalpur.  Sambalpur, a major city in western Odisha, will have a 4-lane ring road around it. 

"During 10 years of Narendra Modi government, more than 25 crore people have risen above poverty. Our goal is not to change the government but to change the society," asserted Gadkari. 

He said the long coastline is the biggest power of Odisha. 

"Odisha has no special plan for the growth of fishermen. 

"Even after 75 years of independence, the people of Odisha have been deprived of justice (of development). The State Governments have neglected," alleged Gadkari. 

Gadkari said there would not be shortage of funds for the development of Odisha. He urged voters to vote for the BJP Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra and Brahmagiri MLA Candidate Upasana Mohapatra.  

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