ASSERTING that the Biju Janata Dal Government in Odisha is on its way out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he was hurt over the “destruction” of the state. Addressing public meetings in Dhenkanal and Cuttack Lok Sabha seats, Modi said though the state is rich in mineral resources, its people are distressed. The PM said the Odisha Chief Minister’s office and residence are under the grip of a coterie which destroyed the state and shattered the dreams of the youths. “Who is responsible for the sorry state of affairs in Odisha? It is the BJD Government which is under the control of some corrupt people. A handful of corrupt persons have grabbed the chief minister’s office and residence.

 

Small workers of the BJD have now become crorepatis,” the Prime Minister said. Coming down heavily on the ruling BJD, Modi said the state Government has prevented people from availing the benefits of the mineral resources. “In 2014, Modi had prepared a new mineral exploration policy, under which Odisha is getting high royalty,” he said. Stating that Odisha received Rs 50,000 crore as mineral royalty and Rs 26,000 crore from the district mineral fund (DMF), Modi said the money should have been spent on roads, schools and drinking water, but the BJD has “misused” it. What the BJD Government has given to Odisha, Modi asked, adding that the BJD has given land mafia, sand mafia, coal mafia, and mining mafia to the state.