CM: Oppn spreading lies on 'lack of devpt'

Koraput: With just a week left until the start of simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state, chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday embarked on a vigorous campaign across several districts in southern Odisha.

On Saturday, the chief minister kicked off his campaign by addressing a large gathering at the OMP ground in Koraput district after arriving in Jeypore via helicopter.

In his speech, Naveen highlighted various social welfare initiatives undertaken by his govt such as the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), Mamata scheme, LAccMI bus service, Mission Shakti, Kalia scheme, scholarships for students, and the Puri heritage corridor project. He also accused the opposition parties of spreading falsehood and expressing insincere concern for the state’s welfare.

“The opposition parties are spreading lies and shedding crocodile tears whereas my govt has always worked for the development of Odisha,” said Naveen during his address.

While urging the gathering to ensure BJD’s victory in all five assembly segments in Koraput district and Koraput Lok Sabha seat, Naveen sought the blessings of the people of Koraput.

BJD faced defeat in Koraput Lok Sabha seat during the 2019 elections when Congress candidate Saptagiri Ulaka secured victory in this tribal-dominated constituency. BJD has once again nominated Kaushalya Hikaka for the upcoming polls, who had previously lost to Ulaka of Congress in the last election.

Later in the day, Naveen addressed public gatherings in Nabarangpur assembly constituency (under Nabarangpur Lok Sabha seat), Tikri (under Rayagada assembly constituency, part of Koraput Lok Sabha seat), and Parlakhemundi assembly constituency (under Berhampur Lok Sabha seat).

Accompanying Naveen, his close aide VK Pandian urged voters to give an overwhelming mandate of 95% to the regional party, BJD.

The campaign in these regions signifies the intensified efforts of the BJD ahead of the polling slated to be held on May 13, aiming to secure a strong footing in the forthcoming elections.

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