Odisha CM snubs PM, attends local meet
Earlier on January 5, the CM had skipped the PM's official programme at Baripada and attended a state-level convention instead.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official programme in Odisha and attended the inaugural ceremony of five-day Krushi Odisha Sammilani, an annual farmers’ convention at Baramunda Ground here on Tuesday.
The ruling BJD organised the parallel event to counter Mr Modi’s second visit to the state this year in less than two weeks ahead of the general elections.
Addressing the gathering, the CM highlighted various benefits of the recently-launched KALIA (Krushak Assist-ance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme for farmers. “KALIA is an ideal scheme for farmers of the entire nation. I will be happy if farmers utilize the monetary assistance provided under the scheme and thereby increase their income,” said Mr Patnaik.
He further said with the support of farmers, Odisha had been awarded the Krishi Karman Award five times. “In 2014, the Odisha government has promised to irrigate 10 hectares of land. So far, 8 hectares of land has been provided with irrigation facility. We will achieve the target by April this year,” the CM added.
Earlier on January 5, the CM had skipped the PM’s official programme at Baripada and attended a state-level convention instead.