Bhubaneswar: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addresses the supporters during a public meeting, in Bhubaneswar, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. (PTI Photo)
Addressing a rally in Bhubaneswar, the Congress chief said former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik was Nehru’s friend but his son Naveen Patnaik is following the BJP’s ideals
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said there is a love marriage between Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and both parties are looting Odisha’s resources.
Addressing a rally in Bhubaneswar, the Congress chief said former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik was Nehru’s friend but his son Naveen Patnaik is following the BJP’s ideals.
“Democracy in the country is now in crisis. This election will give the people of the country the last chance to protect democracy. If Modi wins this time, dictatorship will start instead of democracy,” he said.
“Many industrial and military establishments like Rourkela Steel Plant, Paradip Port, Chilika Naval Base have been set up during Congress ruling period,” he added.
Assembly elections in Odisha will take place in 2024 along with Lok Sabha polls.
Kharge blamed the BJD for unemployment, poverty and farmers’ deaths in the state.
Odisha Congress in-charge Ajay Kumar and state unit President Sharat Pattanayak and other senior leaders criticised both governments.
“Both BJD and BJP are involved in corruption. Hirakud dam, NALCO, and Rourkela steel plant were made during Congress rule. This is a fight to save the constitution,” said Kumar.
“We focused on Development, Women empowerment, and anti-corruption. We hope that people will change their mindset in the upcoming election. Congress will make the government,” Pattanayak said.