Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday hit out at the BJP-led government at the Centre accusing it of neglecting the farmers.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president held a roadshow in Hinjili assembly constituency from where he is seeking re- election for the 5th time in a row.
Besides hitting out at the Centre, Patnaik sought the blessings of the people during his brief address.
Raising the issue of farmers in his home constituency assumed significance as most of the voters in the area are peasants.
Braving the scorching sun, a large number of people lined up on both sides of the roads as the chief minister waved at the crowd while moving in a high-tech bus.
"The victory of our party president is certain. We are only concerned about increasing his margin," a senior BJD leader of Hinjili said.
There are around 2.18 lakh voters in the Hinjili assembly constituency from where Patnaik had won for the first time in the assembly in 2000, by 26,417 votes.
The margin increased to 42,642 in 2004.
In 2009 and 2014, Patnaik's margin had increased to 61,773 and 76,586 respectively.
Besides Hinjili, Patnaik is also seeking election from Bijepur in western Odisha this time.
Making his electoral debut in 1997, Patnaik had won the by-election from Aska Lok Sabha seat as a nominee of the erstwhile Janata Dal.
The seat had fallen vacant following the death of his father Biju Patnaik.
Patnaik was also elected to the Lok Sabha from Aska in 1998 and 1999.
This year, the BJP has pitted Pitambar Acharya, a senior advocate against Patnaik, while the Congress has fielded Sambhu Panigrahy in Hinjili.
Acharya alleged that Hinjili was neglected by Patnaik and hundreds of people migrated to other states to eke out a living.
Panigrahy claimed that people in the area are angry over rampant corruption in all spheres.
Elections in Hinjili and Bijepur will be held in the in the second phase of polling on April 18.
The Lok Sabha and the assembly elections are being held simultaneously in Odisha in four phases.
Polling for the next three phases will be held on April 18, 23 and 29.
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