Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday launched the ‘Jan Sampark Padayatra‘ (Public contact walk) at Mahishakhal with the slogan of Mamata Banerjee.
He claimed that the Biju Janta Dal worked for “Maa, Mati and Manisha” (Mother, Motherland, and People). He said, “BJD works for Maa, Mati and Manisha and will continue to do so in future.”
This is the slogan originally used by his counterpart, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The slogan of Maa, Mati and Manisha became very popular in West Bengal during the General elections is 2009 and late in the West Bengal assembly elections in 2011.
During the event, Naveen Patnaik boasted about the achievements of BJD during its 17-year rule in the state. He said that in the past 17 years, the state has reduced poverty to a great extent and now tops the list of poverty reduction state in India. “The state tops the list of poverty reduction and our government has reduced poverty in the state by 25 %,” Patnaik said.
He further added that his party is totally dedicated the development of the people of Odisha and to protect the interest of the people. He also said that serving the people of Odisha was its party’s main motive, the people have always bestowed their blessings on BJD and in future also will continue to do so, he said.
Addressing the gathering Patnaik said that BJD does not just talk but also put them into action. He said that the party strongly believes in action and have been working tirelessly for the past 17 years. Further talking about the aims of the party Patnaik said that BJD aims to make Odisha No.1 state in the country.
The Chief Minister also informed that during the Jan Sampark Padayatra, BJD will also raise the issue that the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not giving due importance to Odisha. The Yatra will conclude on 11 Oct on Jay Prakash Narayan’s birth anniversary.
Without directly naming the party he attacked the BJP saying that the parties who are organising rallies and campaigns against the ruling BJD will get a befitting reply by the people of Odisha. He further added that these parties who are against the government of Odisha, earlier also were rejected by the people and in future also will not be accepted. They are just building castles in the air, he said.
Several BJD leaders. including the Party MPs, MLAs and other ministers participated in the Jana Sampark Padayatra in different districts of the state. During the yatra, the BJD members will be telling the people about the achievements of the BJD government in the past years. They are likely to criticise the ruling BJP for neglecting the needs of Odisha.