Coal-rich Odisha only gets ‘pollution & dust’ in return from Centre, says Naveen

Angul: The Central Government is generating revenue of thousands of crores of rupees from coal royalty in Odisha, but unfortunately the State is only getting ‘pollution and dust’ in return, said BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik at an election rally in here today.

Without taking names, Patnaik accused BJP leaders in Odisha of their involvement in illegal coal trade.

“Are some BJP bigwigs involved in illegal coal trade in the State?,” he questioned adding that companies like MCL and NTPC are getting huge benefits from their operations in the State, but no development works in the peripheries have been done by these companies.

Patnaik further attacked the BJP Government for not revising coal royalty asking as to why the ‘5-minute’ job could not be done in last five years.

The BJD chief further alleged that BJP leaders in the State are working for contractors neglecting local Odia youths.

“At a time when many landless people in the State are yet to get justice, why the Central Ministers from Odisha have kept mum over the issue,” Patnaik further questioned.

Again attacking the BJP, he alleged that the saffron party leaders are getting involved in EVM ransacking fearing defeat in the elections.

Ending his speech, Patnaik reiterated that he gives priority to interest of the common people and he will continue to serve the people of Odisha till his last breath.