BJP raises corruption issue for Kandhamal by-poll in Odisha

Phulbani (Odisha), Oct 6: Union Minister Jual Oram today raised the issue of corruption during campaigning for by-election to Kandhamal Lok Sabha seat and accused Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of pioneering scams in the state.

"All BJD leaders including their captain (Patnaik) are deeply involved in corruption and scams. People now have an opportunity to teach Patnaik and team a lesson," Oram said addressing a public meeting at Kotgarh. Oram said, "Chit fund scam, land scam and mining scam have exposed the BJD government. BJD is looting the state in broad daylight".

Alleging that BJD nominee Pratyusha Rajeswari Singh is a foreigner, Oram said, "She (Singh) is a foreigner. She does not even know Odia just like CM Naveen Patnaik. How will she be able to serve the people without knowing their language?"

Seeking vote for BJP candidate Rudra Madhav Ray, he said, "The BJP government at the Centre has given sufficient funds for development of tribals. More funds will flow."

For the BJD, senior leader and Women and Child Development Minister Usha Devi campaigned for her party.

"We are very sure that the BJD candidate Pratyusha Rakeswari Singh will win the by-polls. Narendra Modi magic does not work in Odisha. This has been proved in the general elections four months ago," Usha Devi said.

"The BJD has only one agenda which is development and welfare of tribal people. The people have faith on Naveen babu," she said.

About 60 per cent of the voters of Kandhamal belong to different tribal communities.

PTI