The BJP's attack suggests that 'Look East' policy will be part of the agenda in Odisha.
After a stronger-than-expected performance in the local polls in Odisha, BJP has entered campaign mode in Odisha, even though assembly polls are two years away. Not only is the national executive meeting being organised in Bhubaneshwar in April, there are enough indications that BJP’s ‘Look East’ policy will be part of the agenda in Odisha. That a high-ranking union minister like Dharmendra Pradhan is openly accusing the serving CM of the state shows the BJP means business.
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan openly accused serving Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik of subsidy mismanagement. “There is no kerosene shortage in Odisha. Why is my name and Naveen Patnaik’s name still in the subsidy list? Subsidy is being pilfered in Odisha and the state government has not been able to contain it. Should Naveen Patnaik get kerosene out of PDS?” said Dharmendra Pradhan.
He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will thank the people for BJP’s victory in the local polls. The Minister also categorically accused the Odisha government of mismanagement. “There is mistrust and distrust of Naveen Patnaik’s government and we will continue to focus on building our organisation in every nook and corner of the state,” said Mr Pradhan.
Replying to the accusations, Chief Whip of BJD, Tathagata Satpathy, said, “These accusations are false and we have seen Odisha progress right in front of our eyes. Evidence of subsidy mismanagement must be given first before making a statement like this.”
Mr Sathpathy maintains that kerosene shortage exists in tribal areas of Odisha and that Mr Pradhan, instead of pointing fingers at the Chief Minister, must look in to the cause of kerosene shortage. BJD in Odisha has been in power for more than 15 years and it seems like BJP is making most of the anti-incumbency sentiment rather than the Congress, as evidenced by the results in the local polls this year.
When asked about the strife in BJD and early elections, Mr Pradhan said that BJP is not interested in the internal affairs of BJD and described the infighting as a clan war.
Dharmendra Pradhan maintains that the state government is yet to produce a proper list and ensure that subsidy reaches the right segment. The National Executive in Odisha is of great importance to BJP as it would try to make inroads in eastern states where BJP’s performance remained marginal in 2014.
“Eastern states of India need to come at par with rest of the country. We will discuss the election of 2019 and 75 years of independence in 2022. The issues of eastern India too would be taken up and discussed in the land of Jagannath,” he said.
Dharmendra Pradhan spoke exclusively to WION. The interview will be telecast on Friday 31, 2017.
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 "Dharmendra Pradhan and Naveen Patnaik")
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