Bhubaneswar: BJD president Naveen Patnaik criticised BJP govt for rise in prices of essential commodities and GST hikes that have burdened people of Odisha, at a massive demonstration organised by the party on MG Marg here on Monday.
“Prices keep rising, but there is no action. This govt claims to be of the people, but it doesn’t seem to relate to their joys and sorrows. Whether it’s pulses, oil, or groceries, prices of all essential commodities, including medicine, are sky high. The govt has no control over the market. The govt is happy telling stories, but common people find it hard to survive,” said Naveen describing “MM (Mohan Majhi) govt as Mahanga Mada (price-rise burden) govt.”
He launched a scathing attack on BJP govt for farmers’ suicides following crop loss due to unseasonal rain. “Leaders spend their time on self-promotion. People are restless in the markets every day. By telling lies and making false promises, this government came to power with fewer votes than BJD,” he said.
Blaming the double-engine govt for bringing double trouble of price hikes and GST hike, Naveen said, “Everything is taxed with GST. Poor people are paying more GST. The BJP showed a rosy picture in the trailer, but the film released is of the expensive MM government,” he said.
Countering BJD’s allegations, food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra described the protest rally as ‘BJD’s drama’. “BJD govt could not do anything in 24 years of its governance. People are suffering for their wrong policies. All missions starting from potato to jackfruit failed during BJD govt. We are trying to streamline things. The prices of essential commodities are under control and vegetables are reasonable. I don’t know what they are complaining about.”