Naveen Patnaik announces projects eyeing western Odisha development ahead of polls

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announces 2,000 meeting halls in western Odisha as part of 5T initiative. Part of 'Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha' scheme, it is intended to augment rural infrastructure, promote Jagannath culture and tradition. Opposition parties criticize scheme as BJD's election funds; BJP & Congress believe simultaneous elections will be held next year.

The Naveen Patnaik Government appears to be in a tearing hurry in announcing projects, which are likely to touch lives directly as the regional party is preparing to face both Assembly and general elections in a year.

Mr. Patnaik has declared to build 2,000 meeting halls as part of the Mukhyamantri Sabha Gruha Scheme in western Odisha which is known to be a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Assembly halls, which are part of the State’s 5T initiative would significantly enhance the social and cultural life of western Odisha region, said Odisha CM. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several projects ₹33.58 crore.

Mr. Patnaik said he had always paid particular attention to the development of western Odisha. “The budget for the Western Odisha Development Council has doubled and the council should take up more programmes in consultation with people’s representatives,” he advised.

“The role of western Odisha is critical in the overall development of the State. The region is developing in agriculture, industry, mining, education, and art and culture. Efforts are underway to promote tourism in the region, including the ongoing transformation work of Maa Samaleswari, Harishankar, and Nrusingnath temples. Steps have been initiated for development other temples and infrastructure in the region,” said Odisha CM.

It is to be noted that the BJP had won good number of MP and MLA seats from the region in 2019 elections. According to political analysts, the Biju Janata Dal is likely to leverage the scheme for mass mobilisation in the ground.

The scheme was relaunched close on the heels of the State Government announcing ₹4,000 crore-‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ which was intended at augmenting rural infrastructure leading to accelerated growth as well as promote, preserve and protect Jagannath culture and tradition of the State.