Congress Slams Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Over Open Letter To People Ahead Of Polls

Bhubaneswar: A day after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik released an open letter for the public, Congress on Tuesday mounted a scathing attack on the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief accusing him of ‘blackmailing’ the people of Odisha.

Coming down heavily on the Chief Minister, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Sarat Pattnayak said the open letter to the people of the state ahead of elections is nothing but an attempt to pressurise them.

“The Chief Minister tried to blackmail the people of the state by writing a letter before the polls,” the PCC chief alleged.

He alleged that the BJD government headed by Naveen has been silent after hijacking central schemes, while a large number of unemployed youths from Odisha are forced to go to other states in search of livelihood.

Though the situation in the state has assumed an alarming shape, the Chief Minister says he is happy, the Congress leader.

Stating that the Chief Minister seeking people’s support for ten more years is meaningless, Pattanayak said the CM has failed make Odisha number one state in 25 years and he cannot give guarantee to do so in the next 10 years.

The senior Congress leader also alleged that valuable minerals are being plundered and the land of tribal people snatched away during the BJD rule in the state.

The PCC chief also sought detailed information on the donors who contributed over Rs 944.5 crore to BJD’s fund through electoral bonds. All details and the quid pro quo should made public at the earliest, he said.

He said people will give a befitting reply to the BJD in the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Regarding the selection of candidates for the LS and Assembly seats, the Congress leader said the process for ticket distribution is going on.

Claiming that senior leaders are in touch with them, Pattanayak said the screening committee of the Congress will meet again after Holi festival and finalise party tickets.