No one can stop KALIA jatra in Odisha: Naveen

Bhubaneswar/Puri: With an aim to vanquish the anti-incumbency factor, Odisha’s ruling BJD today rolled out the transfer of funds to beneficiaries under KALIA scheme, which political pundits see as a potential gamechanger for the party seeking fourth consecutive term in the state.

The Biju Janata Dal supremo, while addressing a gathering of around two lakh farmers at Malatipatapur on the outskirts of Puri, said: “KALIA scheme will prove to be a milestone in Odisha’s economy. The scheme will help farmers improve their agricultural activities as well as their livelihood. No one can stop the Kalia Jatra in Odisha. The scheme will show a new path to the entire nation.”

“The paddy and vegetables produced by you are used in the Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath. That’s the reason why I chose to name the scheme as KALIA,” he said.

Worth mentioning, around 65 lakh farmers, including landless and small and marginal farmers, had applied through the green form to avail the benefits of the scheme. The second draft beneficiary list will be released at all Panchayat offices from today till December 3. The state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to each beneficiary in five phases.

Meanwhile, police have tightened security in and around the pilgrim town to avoid any untoward situation during the event. Besides, elaborate arrangements have been made to manage traffic in view of the huge turnout.

Earlier in the day, Naveen visited Srimandir and offered prayer to the presiding deities before attending the farmers’ convention.

On the other hand, AICC President Rahul Gandhi arrived at the state capital to attend various party programmes. The Gandhi scion addressed a gathering of intellectuals at a city-based hotel. Later in the day, he will address a mass gathering at Tomando mini stadium.