Decision to cancel land allotment hasty: BJP

Taking a dig at Odisha government for its decision to cancel all allotments of land, houses and flats made under discretionary quota (DQ) since January 1, 1995, the BJP today claimed it was a hurried move with political considerations aimed to hoodwink people.
"In fact, no decision has been taken by the state cabinet on the land scam in Odisha, which is much bigger than land allotted through the discretionary quota," senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra told reporters here.
Describing the state cabinet's decision yesterday to cancel all allotments of land and houses under discretionary quota as a hasty step, Mohapatra alleged the move was made keeping political considerations in mind.

He said the state government has done nothing regarding the land scam including the one in Ghangapatna area on the outskirt of the state capital.
"Yesterday's decision on allotment under discretionary quota was simply aimed to hoodwink and mislead the people," the BJP leader claimed.
The ruling BJD seems to be worried about the forthcoming visit of BJP president Amit Shah to Odisha, he said adding the cabinet decision was taken in a hurried manner in an apparent bid to divert people's attention from burning issues like chit fund scam.
Slamming Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for remaining silent on the land issue, Mohapatra said neither Patnaik nor the government came out with any statement on the issue during the last few months.