By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 10, 2016 : The ruling Biju Janata Dal [BJD] once again is gearing up to raise the issue of central negligence with the party president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik urging the party leaders and activists to reach out the people with this message. He also asked them to explain about the successful schemes of the State government.

Addressing a gathering of party leaders and activists at the extended office bearers meeting here on Sunday, Patnaik said, “Be it UPA or NDA in power at the Centre, everyone has been neglecting Odisha, which has not received its due till yet. We have always been facing political discrimination and will not tolerate this injustice any further.”

The meeting passed seven resolutions and one of them is for increase in the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy to Rs 2,500 per quintal. The party also condemned the attempt of neighbouring states to regulate Mahanadi waters in an unauthorised manner.

The meeting observed a minute’s silence for the six civilians, who were killed by security personnel in a cross-fire with Maoists.

Senior party leader and minister, Damodar Rout said, “Party leaders should go to the people of the State and tell them how the Centre has stopped providing funds hampering the development in the state. However, work is being done from the State exchequer.”

Prasanna Acharya, BJD MP, asked party leaders to introspect and act with clear political goals.

Sanjay Das Burma, Food and Supply minister said a conspiracy is being hatched to weaken the regional parties and loot their success stories. “We should oppose such intentions,” he said.

Mocking the Central negligence charge levelled by BJD, Suresh Pujari, BJP leader said, “When a major issue crops up in the State, the ruling party starts talking levelling such false allegations to divert attention.”