Bhubaneswar: BJD leader VK Pandian on Wednesday (May 29) said that Odisha is rich in mineral resources but the Central government is “depriving” the state of major benefits from its mineral wealth.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday (May 28) criticised Patnaik for not improving the situation in the state, which is rich in natural and mineral resources but whose people are poor.
“It is true that Odisha is rich in mineral resources and has immense wealth. But the benefits go to the Central government and Odisha is being denied its rights. The Centre gets Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 crore from Odisha’s coal mines and railways but contributes only Rs 4,000 crore. Whenever we raise these issues, they try to divert the conversation by talking about the Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple or by hurling abusive language and showing no respect to the Prime Minister,” Pandian said at a press conference in Balasore.
Pandian alleged that the central government has delayed revising coal royalty for the last 10 years, resulting in huge losses to the state of about Rs 1,000 crore per year. “While the state is suffering from pollution due to coal mining, the central government is reaping the maximum benefits,” he said.
Pandian alleged that the saffron party had “failed” to resolve the farmers’ issues.
“They failed to double the MSP and farmers’ income as promised after coming to power at the Centre in 2014. Suddenly, 10 days before the elections, they remembered the farmers and jumped into the fray by promising an MSP of Rs 3,100 for a quintal of rice,” Pandian said.
The bureaucrat-turned-politician slammed the BJP government for “failing” to regulate prices. “The government has increased fuel prices and cooking gas tariffs, affecting all sections of society. But before the 2014 and 2019 elections, the BJP had promised to bring down prices of essential commodities,” Pandian said.
Replying to a question, Pandian said several central government leaders and some state chief ministers are campaigning for BJP candidates in the elections. “Their activities will not have an impact as they have not done anything for Odisha,” he said.
Published May 29, 2024 08:54 IST
