Pressurised by BJP, CEO not allowing Odisha Govt to distribute KALIA money: BJD   

Bhubaneswar: While the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) had earlier claimed that beneficiaries will not be deprived of KALIA scheme even after implementation of model code of conduct ahead of the elections, the ruling party today alleged that the Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), under the influence of BJP, is not allowing the State Government to disburse the KALIA money.

Speaking to media at a presser, BJD Spokesperson Sasmit Patra alleged that the CEO is creating hurdles in making the KALA assistance money reach out to the genuine beneficiaries.

“The CEO has stopped distribution of KALIA money after implementation of election model code of conduct putting the livelihood and future of lakhs of farmers in the State at stake,” sad Patra.

He questioned as to why the State’s scheme has been stopped while the Centre’s PM-Kisan Yojana is still continuing even after enforcement of the mode code of conduct by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

He said the matter will be brought to the notice of the ECI on behalf of BJD soon.