Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a public gathering at the Gosala ground in Khodha today, criticised the Odisha Government for not implementing the Ayushman Bharat Yojana (National Health Protection Scheme) in the state.

"People of Odisha are asking why the state has not accepted the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. If Odisha had implemented this scheme, people would have gotten free medical care across the country," the PM said.

While more than six lakh people of the nation have been benefited by the scheme, not a single person from Odisha is among the beneficiaries, he added.

Modi also attacked the State Government over migration of youths to other states, malnutrition, vacant posts of doctors, irrigation problems and such other issues.

"Why the youths of Odisha are migrating to other states? Why the women and children in Odisha are suffering from malnutrition? Why large number of posts of doctors are lying vacant in Odisha? Why the farmers of Odisha are not getting good irrigation facilities and proper price for their agricultural produce?," he asked.

Coming down heavily on the State Government, Modi asked, "Why chit fund scam, PC (percentage commission) culture and corruption have grown powerful in Odisha? Who are nourishing these demons?"

Speaking about the growth of BJP in Odisha, Modi said the party is emerging as a major power in the state by raising issues related to the welfare of the people and development. He also highlighted the welfare measures undertaken by the BJP-led Central Government for Odisha.

"Around 35 lakh LPG connections have been given to women in Odisha. Four and a half years ago, only 20% families of Odisha had LPG connection, which now stands at 70%," he said

"For the development of infrastructure and connectivity in urban and rural areas of Odisha, expenditure by the Centre has increased five times. New highways, new railway tracks and new airports are being constructed in the state with pace. All-round development of Odisha, its villages, youths, women and farmers is our sole aim," Modi said.