Bhubaneshwar:
Claiming that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has no “boss in Delhi”, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Sunday that his party will continue to work for people of the state, promising to reduce the poverty rate to 10 per cent in the coming five years.
Addressing party workers and leaders on BJD’s 25th founding day, Mr Patnaik said in a virtual speech that the party is accountable to the people of Odisha, who have turned the party into a social movement.
The prime minister attacked the two main national opposition parties Congress and BJP saying: “We (BJD) have no boss in Delhi. Whatever we do, it is for the people of Odisha, who are our boss.” “Behind the success of BJD was the people’s dream for a prosperous and strong Odisha. The party will work for the next 100 years with the support of all residents of the state,” said the regional outfit’s founder.
As BJD prepares for state and city elections early next year, Patnaik said the party has achieved success with the support of the people of Odisha.
“Born with the vision of the legendary Biju Patnaik, the BJD has now turned into a social movement. The party is a symbol of the trust and faith of the 4.5 krore people of Odisha,” he said.
Claiming that BJD is the only party whose popularity is increasing day by day, he said that 1 crore out of the 4.5 crore people of Odisha are its members.
Highlighting the successes of his government, the prime minister said Odisha has undergone a sea of change since 2000 and the state’s poverty rate has fallen from 63 percent to 29 percent and more than 80 lakh people have been lifted above the poverty line.
“Odisha will make history by further reducing the poverty rate to 10 percent in the next five years. Our government will take all measures to achieve the target,” he said.
Mr Patnaik said that Odisha has come third in the country in terms of food grain production by being mainly a buyer from other states.
He credited farmers for massive crop production and ensuring food security in Odisha, saying it reflects the state government’s commitment to expanding irrigation facilities.
He said the BJD, which has been in power in the state since 2000, has successfully dealt with natural disasters such as cyclones.
“Odisha leads the country in disaster management and has even been commended by the United Nations and Niti Ayog, among others, for his exemplary work,” the prime minister said.
Noting that the welfare of women, SCs, STs and OBCs are his government’s priority, he said, “Odisha is offering 50 percent reservation to women in panchayat and civic elections. More than 70 lakh women have been empowered by Mission Shakti.” The prime minister said that during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation, Odisha has received investments worth Rs 4 lakh crore, the highest in the country.
“This has opened up new employment opportunities for thousands of young people,” he said.
Patnaik emphasized the role of 5Ts (Transparency, Technology, Teamwork, Time and Transformation) of his government and said that this formula takes every sector, from education to agriculture, to new heights.
The day was marked by celebrations at the district and block level. Senior party leaders and members of women’s, youth and student wings took part in functions in several cities.
The events were also attended by panchayat chairmen, block coordinators, zone coordinators, zone committee and panchayat committee members.
The party, named after former Prime Minister Biju Patnaik, was founded on December 26, 1997.