May 29th 2024.
In a recent press conference held in Balasore, senior BJD leader Kartik Pandian expressed his concerns about the state of Odisha in terms of its mineral resources. He stated that while the state is rich in natural resources and minerals, it is not reaping the benefits from them. In fact, he accused the Centre of "grabbing" major benefits from the minerals of Odisha.
Pandian's statements came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about the state's condition and its resources. Shah had claimed that while Odisha is rich in natural resources, its people remain poor, placing the blame on Chief Minister Patnaik for not improving the state's condition. Pandian, however, refuted these claims and stated that the Centre takes around Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 crore from coal mines and railways in Odisha, but only gives back a meager amount of Rs 4,000 crore. He also mentioned how the Centre tries to divert attention by bringing up unrelated topics, such as the Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple, and even resorting to abusive language towards the CM.
Pandian also highlighted the issue of the delay in the revision of coal royalty by the Centre, which has been ongoing for the last 10 years. This has resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 10,000 crore per annum for the state. He further stated that while the state bears the burden of pollution due to coal mining, the Centre is the one reaping the maximum benefits.
The senior BJD leader also criticized the saffron party for its failure in addressing the problems faced by farmers. He pointed out that the BJP had promised to double the MSP and income of farmers after coming to power in 2014, but has failed to do so. He also expressed his disappointment with the sudden promises made by the party, just 10 days before the elections, to increase the MSP for paddy to Rs 3,100 per quintal.
Pandian did not hold back in criticizing the BJP government for its failure in regulating the prices of essential commodities. He mentioned how the prices of fuel and cooking gas have been increased, affecting all sections of society, despite the party's promises to bring them down before the 2014 and 2019 elections.
When asked about the impact of different central leaders and state CMs campaigning for BJP candidates in the elections, Pandian confidently stated that it will have no effect as they have not done anything for Odisha. This statement reflects the disappointment and frustration of the BJD leader towards the BJP and its policies towards the state.
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