Bhubaneswar: Slamming the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government in the state over mining and chit fund scams, BJP national president Amit Shah said Sunday those involved in corrupt practices will be put behind bars if the saffron party comes to power in Odisha.
The BJP top boss after releasing the party’s manifesto here at a city hotel, said that the saffron party seeks to build a ‘New Odisha’ by breaking the shackles of the Patnaik-led government, which ruled the state for 19 years.
“While corruption was rampant in allocation of mines, the chit fund scam flourished because of the protection provided to those involved in corrupt practices,” Shah told mediapersons at the party office in the city. “A large number of innocent and poor investors were taken for a ride. The BJP, after coming to power, will put them (all corrupt people) behind bars,” asserted Shah.
The BJP chief also alleged that the powers of the elected representatives in Odisha have been handed over to the bureaucrats, sidelining the senior leaders of the ruling BJD. “Bureaucrats are running show in Odisha, they have no understanding of people’s aspirations,” he alleged.
Exuding confidence that the BJP will come to power both in Odisha and at the Centre, Shah said the party manifesto for the state focussed on the welfare and empowerment of farmers, women, youth and the weaker sections of society.
The Assembly elections in Odisha are slated to be held along with Lok Sabha polls in four phases, beginning April 11.
PNN & Agencies