Sambalpur, May 10: Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday slammed the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over its poll manifesto for the upcoming elections in Odisha, saying "the BJD manifesto is a document of false promises."

Speaking to media persons here, Pradhan said, "BJD has announced to provide 2 lakh government jobs in the State. In February this year, on the floor of the State Assembly, the BJD government had revealed that around one lakh government posts are lying vacant in the State. They (BJD) have been in power for the last 24 years. The ruling party should tell the people how many jobs the State Government has created during the last 24 years and the number of youths employed."

The large scale of 'Dadan labour', migration of people from the State in search of work, speaks volume of the efficiency of the State government in creating employment opportunities for the unemployed, Pradhan remarked.

The 24-year-old BJD government has miserably failed in its promises to provide clean drinking water, irrigation facilities, and all-weather roads to all the villages of the State, the BJP leader said.

Describing the BJD manifesto as a document of false promises, Pradhan said the regional party lacked new ideas and innovation. He also claimed the party tried to copy the BJP manifesto.

Yesterday, BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through a video message announced the release of the manifesto that contains nine promises focusing on youth, Women Self Help Groups, farmers, etc.

Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases, starting from Phase one on May 13, Phase two on May 20, Phase three on May 25 and the final Phase on June 1.

The results will be announced on June 4.

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