Odisha Elections 2024: Smriti Irani Calls Pandian ‘Thekedar’, Says Modi Will Punish Those Behind Ratna Bhandar Missing Key

Paradip: Stepping up the attack on Odisha’s BJD government over Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar issue, BJP star campaigner and Union Minister Smriti Irani on Saturday said the saffron party will not spare those found guilty in keeping the investigation report on missing key under wrap.

“I am here to warn the remote-control BJD government that as soon as lotus blooms in Odisha, the Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar missing key report will be out in public domain. And those found guilty will not be spared by Narendra Modi,” she said while addressing a public meeting at Kujang near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district.

Coming down heavily at BJD leader V K Pandian, the Union Minister called the former IAS officer a thekedar (contractor/agent) and accused him of giving full credit to the BJD regime for the free rice and ration being sent by Modi government for about 3.2 crore people of Odisha.

The firebrand BJP leader, who also addressed election rallies at Aul in Kendrapada and Remuna in Balasore, said ration is being provided by PM Narendra Modi, but the picture of Naveen Patnaik is being used in Odisha.

She said the situation in Odisha has come to such extent that contractors are not only looting public money but also looting rice and ration meant for children from schools.

Accusing the BJD leader of running a remote-controlled government in the state, the firebrand BJP leader hit out at Pandian for his failure to even answer as to why the report of the inquiry commission on the missing Ratna Bhandar keys was not made public.

The BJP leader said she has come to the people of Odisha with Modi’s guarantees and people also want his guarantees. “Press on the lotus button and get free ration for the next five years, press on the lotus button and get Rs 6,000 every year from Kisan Samaan Nidhi. People of Odisha also want Modi’s guarantee (Odisha loka chahanti Modi guarantee)

Alleging that BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been held captive and does not even have the right to speak, Irani appealed people to vote for BJP and free the “future of Odisha”.

Speaking in Kendrapada, Irani praised BJP’s MP candidate Baijayant Panda for his efforts to ensure drinking water facilities for the people of the constituency. Unfortunately, instead of extending a helping hand to provide a solution to the problems of the people, the BJD government targeted Panda, she said.

Coming down heavily on the BJD government for dismissing the demand of the people for setting up a medical college in Kendrapada, the Union Minister said, “If you want a medical college, you have to bring the BJP to power in Odisha.”