Odisha’s pride, culture under threat: Modi

Balangir: The glories and pride of Odisha and its rich culture are under threat, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally here today.

Hitting out at BJD Government in Odisha, Modi said, “Odia culture is in danger. Therefore, the BJP has vowed to free the state from this crisis.”

Recalling the great statesmen of Odisha including Jayee Rajguru, Buxi Jagabandhu, Veer Surendra Sai, Chandrasekhar Behera, Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, Utkal Mani Gopabandhu Das, Hare Krushna Mahatab, Saheed Baji Rout and Biju Patnaik and their contribution to Odisha, he said that the great souls might be in pain seeing the present condition of the state.

“These great leaders had never compromised with Odisha’s pride and glory. What they might be thinking after seeing Odisha in this condition? Their souls might be in immense grief realising the fact that Odia culture is under threat,” he said.

Showing a positive gesture over possible results in the forthcoming general elections to Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, he said that his party BJP will form the government both in Centre and Odisha.

“The double-engine government is must in Odisha this time. The BJD Government will expire on June 4 (on the vote counting day). Let each vote go in favour of BJP candidates. This will strengthen Modi,” he said.

Attacking the BJD government, the BJP’s top leadership alleged the ruling party of not developing the state during ts 25 years of rule.

“Odisha is one of the rich states in the country. However, people are poor here. What is the reason? I have seen Odia people in Gujarat who have talents. They have been contributing to development of Gujarat. You (people) voted for the BJD for last 25 years, but they are migrating to other states in search of work,” Modi said.

Addressing public at the rally, he suggested them to ask CM Naveen Patnaik, who is fighting from Kantabanji Assembly Constituency in Balangir district in the upcoming elections, to utter at least 10 village names of the constituency and asses his capability.

“When Naveen Babu will come here for election campaign, ask him one question. Ask them to name 10 villages of Kantabanji Assembly Constituency. I bet, he cannot utter 10 names,” he mocked.

“This is because, he (Naveen Patnaik) is detached from you (people). He does not know the problems of people. Despite being a rich state in the country, its people are living under poverty line. Because, you have not asked him for last 25 years,” he said.

Describing the BJD government a ‘corrupt’, Modi urged people to vote for the BJP and bless the party in forming the government both in the Centre and Odisha to witness inclusive development in the state.

“Bless the BJP candidates, who are fighting the Assembly polls, for the government in Odisha. Those are fighting for Lok Sabha, send them to the Parliament to form the government at Centre,” he appealed.