Central negligence not to be an issue in state: Odisha BJP

BJP today said the BJD government's claim of central negligence will no longer be an issue in Odisha as the party will spread awareness among masses about the assistance being given to the state by the Centre.
"The party will reach out to the masses to create awareness about the extent of central assistance being given to the state and counter BJD government's central negligence slogan," senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra said here.
"The state will get Rs 1,12,672 crore within the next five years and an additional Rs 50 crore for Nabakalebar," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function marking the foundation day of the party.

Stating that the BJD government has already received the first phase grant as per the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission, Mohapatra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken on the subject during his recent tour to Rourkela in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Quoting the Prime Minister, Mohapatra said Odisha will get about Rs 8,000 crore more this year than it received from the Centre last year.
"It clearly indicates that the Centre wants to help the state," Mohapatra said.

Stating that the BJD government's "habitual" allegation of central negligence will no longer be an issue in the state, Mohapatra claimed that the state had never asked for more funds or ever tried to get it from the Centre.

However, they got it without making any demand, Mohapatra asserted.
"The state government did not say anything to the Prime Minister when he on April 1 spoke about the benefits the state is going to receive. It is enough indication that the state government is happy with the central aid," he said.
Mohapatra, however, said that his party feels that negligence of the Odisha government towards the state is likely to turn into a major issue instead.