Balangir/Nuapada, May 4: Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday asserted that number of migrant workers from Odisha to other states has risen steadily during the last 24 years of Naveen Patnaik government.

Speaking at the BJP’s “Paribartan Samabesh” (Election rally for change), Pradhan mentioned that a large section of young men and women from Hinjili in Odisha's Ganjam district, which Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been representing for many years, are migrating to other states in search of work. Similarly, Balangir and Nuapada districts have become the hub of the migrant workers under the Naveen government. “Is this the ‘transformation’ of the 24-year-old Naveen government in the state?” he asked.

The Union Minister today participated in the BJP’s “Paribartan Samabesh” in Khariar assembly constituency of Nuapada district and Kantabanji, Titilagarh and Loisingha constituencies of Balangir district and campaigned for his party candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha and State assembly polls.

Pradhan said the intellectuality in Balangir district is not low in any way. In 24 years of Naveen rule, the district lagged in every sector. It has been published in the newspaper that Balangir will become a desert by 2050. It has been reported that there will be rain for only 50 days. Titilagarh became “Tatlagarh” (sizzling place). “Who is responsible for this?” he asked.

Most of the people from Hinjili constituency, represented by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over last two decades, are migrating to other states in search of work. Besides Hinjili, the Chief Minister will contest from Kantbanji assembly seat in the ensuing elections. Kantabanji has become a hub of the migrant workers. When we pointed out the real picture of the backward region, the Chief Minister alleged that the opponent leaders are shedding crocodile tears. Will the Chief Minister publish a white paper on the fact that how many people of Hinjili and Kantbanji get employment and self-employment under his rule? In the upcoming elections, people have already decided not to make Kantbanji as another Hinjili.

The Minister reiterated that Odisha's Asmita (identity) is under threat. Odisha's culture, language and traditions are under threat. The outside leaders are conspiring against the State and considering Odisha as their jagir (freehold land). They are taking advantage of the Chief Minister’s inefficiency and trying to rule the state from the backdoor entry. BJD has no issues for the people. They have no responsibility. They can only distribute money during the elections. People will not accept the BJD’s money.and give a befitting reply to the “inefficient and corrupt” ruling party in the upcoming elections

Speaking at a public meeting at Khariar, Pradhan said in the last 10 years the Narendra Modi government has given a total of Rs 4,963 crores to about 1,34,212 families of Nuapada district for houses, toilets, food, cooking gas, Mudra loans, assistance to women self help groups. He said that the Centre has given more than Rs 3,69,000 and around RS 4 lakh rupees per family. Although Khariar is an agriculturally backward area, there is a railway line on one side. The Minister promised new railway connections from Kantbanji to Khariar if the BJP vote to power.

Pradhan requested people to cast their vote in favour of BJP candidates both in Lok Sabha an assembly polls for the all-round development of the region.

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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