Odisha lacks in development: BJP president

Bhubaneswar, Jan 7 (IANS) Exuding confidence that the BJP would form the government in Odisha after the next assembly poll, BJP president Amit Shah Wednesday said there was no considerable development in the state under the 14-year "autocratic" rule of the Naveen Patnaik-led government.

"There was no considerable development in Odisha despite 14 years autocratic rule of the Naveen Patnaik government. It is still struggling in several index including employment, electricity, toilet and water," he said while addressing a press conference here.

"Despite having rich minerals and other natural resources, Odisha has not reached to the extent of development, where it should have been. The BJD (Bjiu Janata Dal) has not succeeded to progress the state," said Shah.

"After the assembly elections, the BJP will form the government in Odisha with full majority. The party would not require any ally to form government. The BJP is going on with the prepared blue print to reach out people," said Shah.

Pointing out to the chit-fund scam, he said over 10 lakh people have been duped by some people in the state.

He said the money could have been saved from the swindlers, had the inquiry started earlier in the state.

The CBI is inquiring into the chit-fund scam following the Supreme Court's direction.

The BJP chief also said the central government is examining the action taken report of Justice Shah Commission on illegal mining in Odisha and assured that appropriate action would be taken.

Replying to a question for being soft on the ruling BJD government, he said: "There is no issue of going soft against the Naveen Patnaik government. My party workers are taking agitational programmes and raising the corruption issues against the government.

"I and the central (BJP) leadership have full support to the state leaders on these issues."

He also rejected the speculation that the BJP's central leadership was going soft against the BJD government to seek support of the regional party in Rajya Sabha, where the saffron party is in minority.

Reacting over the state government's demand for special category status to Odisha, he said several states have the same issue and it was being considered by the central government.

Shah also carried a membership drive in Dhauli village on the outskirt of Bhubaneswar.

In morning, Shah along with his wife visited Shri Jagannath temple in Puri. The couple stayed inside the temple for about an hour.

The BJP chief Tuesday met Shankaracharya of Gobardhan Peeth Swami Nischalananda Saraswati and sought his blessing.

Shankaracharya asked him to take necessary steps to ensure that the Vyasa Peeth of Puri should not be neglected at any cost.

Shankaracharya also sought the cooperation of Shah and his party for smooth conduct of the Nabakalebara festival of Lord Jagannath. The festival is scheduled to be held in July this year.