Mulayam lambasts Naveen govt in Orissa

Puri, Dec 4 (UNI) Samajwadi Party (SP) president Mulayam Singh Yadav today came down heavily on Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his ''utter failure'' to provide a good governance in the state.

It was most unfortunate that during the seven-years regime of Mr Patnaik, Orissa had been listed as one of the most backward states of the country, Mr Yadav said while addressing a 'Mahabikalab Samavesh' at Talbania here.

The SP leader said while the number of unemployed youth had gone up, the farmers were deprived of their produce due to a faulty policy pursued by the BJD-BJP government during these seven year rule of Naveen Patnaik government.

Recounting his association with late Biju Patnaik, he said, '' Biju babu was a great leader and a visionary who tried to steer the state into prosperity but unfortunately his son proved to be a non- starter''.

The SP president promised to provide jobs to all the unemployed, grant Rs 1000 per month as unemployment pension and provide Rs one lakh to the bereaved family members of a farmer in case of death if his party come to power in the state.

He also announced that agriculture sector would be given top priority and urged the farmers, teachers, students and the youth to come forward to change the government for better governance.

On his arrival at Puri, Mr Yadav went to Sri Jagannath temple and offered prayers inside the sanctum sanctorum.

He also welcomed Kailash Mishra, the upcoming leader and the President of Bikalp Samavesh which was merged with the Samajwadi Party, as the future chief minister of Orissa.

Mr Mishra said the stage is now set for an alternative government to provide better living conditions to the people of the state.

Criticising the state government for handing over valuable mines and minerals at throughway prices to the MNCs, he said all minerals should be value added to get maximum revenue in the international market.

SP Orissa unit President Baishnab Parida also addressed the gatherings.

UNI