BJP president Amit Shah launches election manifesto for 'New Odisha', hits out at Naveen Patnaik government over chit fund scams

With three days left for the Lok Sabha polls to take place in the country, BJP on Sunday launched its election manifesto for a 'new Odisha' in Bhubaneshwar. While launching the 'Sankalp Patra', BJP national president Amit Shah spoke about the mining and chit fund scams under the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, asserting that the people behind the corrupt practices with be put behind bars if the BJP government comes to power in the state.

Highlighting the drawbacks of the current government under Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah emphasised on the promises by BJP to build a 'New Odisha'.

"While corruption was rampant in the allocation of mines, chit fund scam flourished because of the protection provided to those involved in corrupt practices. Bureaucrats are running the show in Odisha, they have no understanding of people's aspirations. The BJP, after coming to power, will put the corrupt behind bars," he asserted. 

Exuding confidence that the BJP will come to power both in Odisha and at the Centre, Amit Shah said that the party's election manifesto for the state is focused on the welfare and empowerment of farmers, women, youth and the weaker sections of society.

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He went onto allege that the senior leaders of the ruling BJD have been sidelined.

Earlier, long-time BJD leader Baijayant Jay Panda on March 4 joined BJP - about eight months after leaving the Naveen Patnaik-led party. He was then elevated to the position of national vice president and official spokesperson of the BJP.

Assembly Election in Odisha is slated to be held along with Lok Sabha polls in four phases, beginning from April 11. The state has 147 assembly seats and 21 Lok Sabha seats.

READ: Lok Sabha 2019 Election Dates: Counting To Be Held On 23 May - Here's The Full Schedule For The 2019 Parliamentary Polls For All Phases As Announced By The Election Commission