 "Centre apathetic to state's demand, says Naveen")
"You are aware that the Centre has a specific responsibility towards the states in a federal structure. But Odisha has always been neglected by the Centre. It is yet to get its legitimate demands fulfilled," Patnaik told party supporters on the occasion of BJD's 17th anniversary here.
There should not be any political consideration while distributing any national resources in the federal system. We will continue to strive for fulfilment of our demands in the coming days," he added.
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Patnaik said, BJD's continuous success is major cause of worry for the national political parties.
National parties were never with the people of the state nor will they be in the future. BJD has always fought for the interest of the people. It has always put people's cause above the party's interest, he added.
Highlighting the achievements of the party, Patnaik pointed out that the growth rate of the state was more than the national average during the eleventh plan and the plan size has also increased in last fourteen years.
Praising the farmers of the state, Patnaik said, Odisha has been awarded twice at the national level for record agriculture produce. In the disaster management sector, Odisha has emerged as a model state and received appreciation of the United Nations. There is also growth in IT (information technology) exports and steel production, he observed.
Several BJD leaders present in the meeting demanded conferring of country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna on former state chief minister Biju Patnaik for his immense contribution to national growth and freedom struggle.
"Why there is discrimination in according Bharat Ratna to Biju Patnaik. Those who mourned for the death of Biju Patnaik must think whether they are doing right," asked Ashok Panda, state tourism minister. There should not be any political consideration, he added.
BJD also celebrated its 17th birth anniversary in its 32 organisational districts.