Naveen Patnaik slams opposition for using mining scam in poll campaigning

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today slammed opposition parties for highlighting the mining scam issue while campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

"The BJD government has maintained transparency in mining activities. After improprieties were detected, a thorough inquiry had been initiated and those found guilty have been taken to task," he claimed while addressing an election rally at Mahakalapada in Kendrapara district.

Besides, talking about achievements of his government and appealing voters to vote for BJD, the chief minister also attacked on his political opponent BJP's Bijoy Mohapatra.
Without naming Mohapatra, Patnaik alleged that his father and party founder late Biju Patnaik could not become the chief minister for second term in 1995 because of the betrayal by some party leaders.

Patnaik said that one former BJD leader is trying his luck contesting from Mahakalpada but he is sure that voters will reject him.

Mohapatra, who has failed to make it to Assembly since 2000 after Patnaik denied him ticket, ahs joined BJP and is locked in a triangular contest with BJD's Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Balram Parida of Congress.

Meanwhile, Mohapatra, reacting to Patnaik's comments said, "Naveen was not in politics in 1995. Thus, it is foolish on his part to comment on what had led to Janata Dal's defeat then.

"I am not a betrayer. Rather he has mastered the art of betrayal. His acts of betrayal are many. I am one of the victims of his treachery and backstabbing."