April 25th 2024.
Jeypore was buzzing with energy as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's trusted aide and senior leader, Kartik Pandian, took the stage on Thursday. He was fired up, ready to take on the opposition BJP and Congress leaders who have been constantly opposing the welfare schemes of the Odisha government. Pandian didn't hold back as he accused them of politicising the development work that the government has been tirelessly working on.
Addressing two election rallies at Pottani and Laxmipur assembly segments, which fall under the Koraput parliamentary constituency, Pandian passionately spoke about Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's unwavering commitment to the welfare of the 4.5 crore citizens of Odisha. His fiery speech came just a day after Patnaik launched the election campaign for the ruling BJD at Hinjili in Ganjam district.
Without naming anyone directly, Pandian called out Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his opposition to the state's flagship Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana. This scheme provides health assurance of up to Rs 5 lakh for each beneficiary and Rs 10 lakh for women members of beneficiary families. Pandian was quick to defend the BSKY, stating that it has been a successful initiative spearheaded by the Chief Minister and has greatly improved the quality of healthcare for the underprivileged.
He didn't hold back his words as he said, "A Union Minister, who is known for making tall claims, has been criticizing the BSKY as a failed scheme. But the truth is, it is an initiative of our Chief Minister, under which the poor are receiving the best treatment in top hospitals across Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. Our CM believes in doing more and speaking less."
Pradhan has been quite vocal about his disapproval of the Odisha government for not implementing the central government's Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state, and instead, focusing on the BSKY.
In all the election meetings, Pandian highlighted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's dedication towards the welfare of the 4.5 crore citizens of Odisha. He cited various examples, such as the increase in monthly social security pension under Madhu Babu Pension Yojana to Rs 1,000 for over 36 lakh beneficiaries, and the increment of minimum wages for laborers by Rs 100.
Pandian also shed light on Mission Shakti, a women empowerment initiative that is close to the CM's heart. He proudly announced that the state has provided interest-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh for members of 70 self-help groups under the program.
He then went on to elaborate on the development initiatives in Pottangi constituency, which included the benefits received by farmers under the KALIA scheme and the integration of digital boards in 50 high schools as part of the 5T transformation program.
Pandian said, "In Pottangi alone, 45,000 farmers have benefitted from the KALIA scheme. Similarly, digital boards are being used to teach students in 50 high schools, which are a part of the 5T transformation program."
He ended his speech by urging the people to vote for "Jodi Sankha" in the upcoming elections. He stressed the importance of voting for both the Lok Sabha and assembly candidates to ensure the continuity of the development work.
The meeting was attended by Koraput MP candidate Kausalaya Hikaka and Pottangi MLA nominee Prafulla Pangi. The crowd left feeling motivated and inspired, ready to cast their vote for the "Jodi Sankha" and keep the development work going in Odisha.
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