Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a public rally held in Behrampur, Odisha, criticized the long-standing rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress party in the state.
“For 50 years and then for 25 years, the BJD government ruled Odisha,” said PM Modi, highlighting the lengthy tenure of the two parties in the state. He pointed out the paradox of the state’s abundant resources and the poverty of its people.
“Odisha has water, agricultural land, mineral ores, a long sea coast, history and heritage, there is everything in Odisha. Then why is it so that Odisha is rich but its people are poor?” questioned the Prime Minister.
He attributed the state’s predicament to the alleged corruption of the Congress and BJD leaders. “The reason behind this sin is the loot of the Congress and BJD leaders,” he claimed, adding that even small leaders of BJD have been involved in this.
The Prime Minister’s comments come at a time when the state is grappling with issues of poverty and underdevelopment despite its vast natural resources. His remarks have sparked a new debate on the governance and development model of Odisha.
The rally in Behrampur is part of the Prime Minister’s ongoing campaign in the state. The impact of his remarks on the political landscape of Odisha remains to be seen.