Bhubaneswar: While BJD president and CM Naveen Patnaik’s scheduled visit to Jharsuguda is likely to raise the poll pith, Congress on Sunday asked whether he had the moral rights to visit the constituency where Health Minister Naba Kishore Das was gunned down by an ASI of police on January 29, leading to the bypoll.
“This was first of its kind incident in the country. Though 13 weeks have lapsed, the probe agency is yet to ascertain the motive behind the murder and also identify others involved in the conspiracy. Why is the government silent over the issue? When will the CM break his Maun Vrat (silence) and when will justice delivered to the family?” questioned senior Congress leader Ganeshwar Behera.
Notably, the BJD has fielded Deepali Das, the daughter of Naba Das, from the constituency.
The Congress leader further said that Jharsuguda is a developed district but employment continues to be a concern despite establishment of a large number of companies and industries there. “Why the policy to provide employment to 75% youths of the district is being not followed?” he asked.
Behera also wanted to know why paddy was not procured from farmers even after March 31 deadline. “Farmers of Jharsuguda have been victim of distressed sale as they could not sell paddy as per token issued to them. They also had to lose 5 to 10 kg of paddy per quintal in the name of FAQ standard. They are now forced to sell their produce to millers at a price much lower than MSP. Is not the government responsible for the suffering of farmers in Jharsuguda and elsewhere in the state?” he asked.
Bijay Kumar Patnaik, former Chief Secretary of the State who joined the Congress a few months back, and Jatni MLA Suresh Routray were present at the presser.