Odisha Bypoll: Dharmendra Accuses BJD Govt Of ‘Looting’ Farmers

Padampur: Mounting a scathing attack on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ahead of Padampur Assembly bypoll, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday accused the BJD government in Odisha of looting the farmers in collusion with millers.

Addressing an election meeting in Padampur to campaign for BJP candidate Pradip Purohit, the Union Minister said while the Narendra Modi government at the Centre has been providing money for farmers, the ruling BJD is busy misleading people in the state.

“Though the Centre is allocating money for farmers, Naveen Patnaik-led government has colluded with millers to loot the farmers,” Dharmendra alleged, hitting out at the Chief Minister

Claiming that Naveen had promised to provide Rs 100 bonus to the farmers over and above the MSP fixed for paddy, the senior BJP leader sought to know as what has happened to his assurance. He also sought to know how much fund the state has allocated for the farmers.

Dharmendra further attacked the Chief Minister saying he has never met the Prime Minister for discussion on paddy procurement issue.

Alleging sharp rise in crime against women in Odisha, the BJP leader said though Naveen himself is in charge of the Home department, crimes against women have increased in the state.

With campaigning for the December 5 by-election to Padampur Assembly seat attaining a feverish pitch, the Union Minister is set to address a series of meetings for three days to seek vote for BJP nominee Purohit.

It may be noted here that the by-election in Padampur was necessitated following the demise of sitting BJD MLA Bijaya Ranjan Singh Bariha.