Angul, May 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday severely criticized the BJD government for turning Odisha into a poor state despite being in power for 25 years.

Addressing a massive Vijay Sankalpa Samavesh at Biju Patnaik Stadium here, Modi urged people to elect BJP Lok Sabha and Assembly candidates and form a double-engine government in Odisha for expeditious development.

Initiating his speech in Odia with 'Jay Jagannath' and 'Jay Shree Ram', the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to those who brought paintings, books and other gifts for him. He said the love of Odisha people enhances his strength and energy further.

"You have brought so many paintings and gifts for me. You have expressed your love in these articles. I am very thankful to you," the Prime Minister said. He hailed Odisha as the land of art.

Stating that he returned from Puri paying obeisance to Lord Jagannath, the Prime minister said the Jagannath Temple is not safe under the BJD regime.

"Ratna Bhandar's keys have been lost for the last six years. For this, people the BJD government and people who have made the CM office captive are responsible," he alleged.

He said the BJP government will bring all those to the fore and find out the lost keys after it comes to power.

He said farmers suffered a lot and youth were going to other States in search of jobs even though the BJD ruled the State for 25 years.

"In 25 years, BJD people have been crorepati. But farmers have not grown economically. Youths are going outside the State in search of work," alleged Modi.

He resented that the tribals in Odisha were the worst sufferers in Odisha.

"Odisha is rich in mines and minerals and other natural resources. But people are leading miserable lives because of the corrupt BJD government," he said.

Claiming that his government has provided Rs 26,000 crore to the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in Odisha, the Prime Minister said the BJD government has looted away the funds meant for the construction of schools and roads in districts where mining activities are taking place.

Modi alleged that the BJD government didn't even procure forest products at MSP set by the Central government.

He reminded the people that the BJP government would buy paddy at MSP of Rs 3,100 per quintal from farmers and pay through bank accounts within 48 hours of procurement.

The Prime Minister asked the people if they remember the date of the BJP Chief Minister taking oath in Odisha. The people answered with 'June 10.

"I have also come to invite you to the oath-taking ceremony of the BJP Chief Minister," said the Prime Minister.
He said Odisha would see a double-engine government and expeditious development for the first time after June 4.

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