PM Modi attacks former ally Naveen Patnaik, says June 4 is BJD govt's expiry date

While speaking at an election rally in Behrampurcity of Odisha, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the state has been facing poverty because of loot by the Congress and then Biju Janata Dal for more than seven decades.

The prime minister made the statement while campaigning for the ruling BJP ahead of the state elections in Odisha which are being conducted alongside the general election.

"Odisha has water, fertile land, minerals, a long coastline, history, culture, God has given so much. But why are the people of Odisha poor? The answer to this is loot, first by Congress leaders and then by BJD leaders. Even small leaders of BJD have big bungalows," PM Modi said.

Making a rare attack on BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was at a given point of time his ally, he raised questions on the labourers who migrate to other states from his constituency Hinjili.

"Why are doctors' posts vacant in most hospitals here? Why do most children drop out of schools?" Modi asked, emphasising that he ignored any budget demands for carrying out development work in Odisha.

Odisha govt failed to ensure welfare of women: PM Modi

The prime minister took a jibe at the previous Manmohan Singh government, and said, "When Sonia Gandhi's remote control government was in power at the Centre for 10 years and Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister, Odisha gotRs1 lakh crore in 10 years. Modi has givenRs3.5 lakh crore in 10 years. But only money does not ensure work."

PM Modi added that the Odisha government has failed to ensure the welfare of women.

"The Centre provides an assistance ofRs6,000 to every pregnant women. You will be surprised that the Odisha government has suspended this important scheme," Modi said.

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"The Centre sentRs 10,000 crore rupees for the Jal Jeevan Mission. The government here could not even spend that money. Modi sends money to build roads in rural areas, but the roads here are in bad shape. Modi sends money for free rice, the BJD government sticks its own photograph on the packets," the prime minister added.

PM Modi said that the citizens of Odisha have decided to vote and bring BJP to power. "June 4 is the BJD government's expiry date. The BJP is the sun of new opportunities for Odisha," Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)