Opposition corners Odisha govt over ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: 

A day after Odisha Government announced ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave to be a grand success with investment pledges over 2 Lakh crore, Congress and BJP today raised questions over the claims and raised the issue both in the Assembly and outside.

Raising the question in Zero Hour, Opposition Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati demanded a ruling asking the Chief Minister to provide the detailed expense incurred to organise the conclave.

“Congress is not against industrialisation. However, the government officers went around spending crores from taxpayers’ money in the name of promoting ‘Make in Odisha’ conclave. We object to this. This is unfortunate,” said Bahinipati speaking to reporters outside the Assembly.

Taking part in the discussion, BJP MLA Pradeep Purohit took pot-shots at the government and called the conclave “Finish Odisha” conclave instead.

Meanwhile, his party held a press conference at the state headquarters and questioned the government on the absence of entrepreneurs of Odisha in the event.

“Many big-shots came. We welcome them. However, where were the home grown industrialists from the state? The non-participation of local pool leads us to doubt the success of the event,” said Odisha BJP General Secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra.

Biju Janata Dal, on the other hand, explained its stand.

“The event was aimed at attracting investors to the state. Large industries are not the only focus, however, they do encourage downstream and ancillary industries whenever and wherever they come up. It gives rise to added employment opportunities. Opposition is opposing for the sake of it even though they know such allegations comes in the way of the interests of the state,” said BJD Spokesperson Amar Prasad Satpathy.