Bhubaneswar: After projecting themselves as the sole custodian of Odisha’s culture, history and aspirations, the BJD and BJP have kick-started their respective poll campaigns for upcoming elections in Odisha with ‘numero uno’ status promise for the state.
While criticising the anti-development stance of the opposition political parties, Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik vowed to make Odisha a “developed state” by 2036 as he launched his campaign from his home turf, Hinjili, from where he will be seeking a sixth term, on Wednesday. “Odisha will be the number one state in the country by 2036 coinciding with 100 years of its formation,” he said while asserting that the BJD will continue with its victory march on the basis of development programmes launched by the government and blessings of the people.
The Chief Minister also urged people to vote for ‘Jodi Sankha’ (double conch), a campaign believed to have been launched to counter BJP’s ‘double-engine sarkar’ slogan and lessen the impact of anti-incumbency against the ruling party, in the elections, beginning May 13.
“One vote should be for the MLA candidate and one for the MP nominee,” he said, adding conch is the symbol of development
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While sounding the poll bugle for BJP on Thursday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke on similar lines, asking people to give BJP a chance for five years to make Odisha India’s number one state. “You voted Naveen Patnaik-led BJD to power in the state for five terms, bring BJP to power once, we will make Odisha the number 1 state in the country. Odisha has most number of poor despite being a mineral-rich state. We will ensure the development of the state and the poor. I assure you that no one will have to migrate to other states in search of work,” he asserted while setting the stage for a high-voltage fight.
“Not only did Navin Babu’s government impede the development of Odisha, but, through its bureaucrats, it is also involved in corruption!”
Shah further said that the BJP will win at least 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats here and significantly contribute to the party’s “400 paar” mission. “The party will also get majority in Vidhan Sabha and form government on its own,” he added.
The transition from would-be allies to poll rivals had earlier seen a tug-of-war over Odia asmita (Odia pride). While announcing to go alone in the elections in later part of March, BJP state president Manmohan Samal had said that Odia asmita (Odia pride) will be a key poll issue. Soon after, the BJD made “self-respect” the essence of the state’s quest for development with a message from the CM on Utkala Dibasa. “Odisha continues to inscribe its proud history, flourishing with the commitment of every Odia. Aligned with the era of transformation, our collective pledge is to propel Odisha towards development. As we commemorate Odisha Dibasa, let us unite to bolster Odia pride and stride towards a prosperous Odisha,” Naveen wrote.
