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The star campaigner of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today slammed the Congress and BJP, saying their leaders only knew how to shed crocodile tears for the people of the state without attending them at the time of natural disasters.
Addressing election rallies in his home district, Ganjam, Patnaik asked, "where were these people at the time of the Phailin, when the people were suffering here?"
Though he did not name the opponent political parties or their leaders, Patnaik said, "As the election has approached, the leaders of many parties are visiting the state. But they only know how to shed crocodile tears."
Patnaik today addressed a series of election meetings in Ganjam district, which was worst in cyclone Phailin in last October.
He asserted that his government has undertaken massive rehabilitation and re-construction woks in the cyclone-ravaged areas. The state government has received accolades from national and International organisations for its spectacular handling of cyclone menace, he stated.
BJD supreme was campaigning in the district for the ensuing twin elections for state Assembly and Lok Sabha for the second day in the district. During his whirlwind tour, he addressed meetings at Purushottampur, Kabisurya Nagar, Polasara, Aska, Dharakote, Sorada and Chhatrapur.
The chief minister, however, said, his government is working for all-round development and swabhiman (self-reliance) of the four crore Odia people of the state. "We have undertaken several development works. Many more have to be taken up. I need your blessing for this purpose," he added
Recalling the launch of his political carrier from Ganjam district, Patnaik said, he had entered into politics when he contested the the bye-election for Aska Lok Sabha seat in 1997 after the death of his father Biju Patnaik. "Since then, I have served the people of the state with your blessings," he stated.
During the campaign, he appealed to people to vote for his party's symbol 'conch' and give the party a massive mandate in the ensuing elections. He introduced the candidates of his party, who accompanied him, at the rallies in their respective assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies.
The chief minister kicked off his election campaign on Wednesday from his home constituency Hinjili. After covering the Hinjili segment through a road-show, he campaigned in Berhampur and Gopalpur last evening.
