Addressing election rallies in his home district, Ganjam, Patnaik asked, "where were these people at the time of the Phailin, when the people were suffering here?"
Though he did not name the opponent political parties or their leaders, Patnaik said, "As the election has approached, the leaders of many parties are visiting the state. But they only know how to shed crocodile tears."
Patnaik today addressed a series of election meetings in Ganjam district, which was worst in cyclone Phailin in last October.
He asserted that his government has undertaken massive rehabilitation and re-construction woks in the cyclone-ravaged areas. The state government has received accolades from national and International organisations for its spectacular handling of cyclone menace, he stated.
BJD supreme was campaigning in the district for the ensuing twin elections for state Assembly and Lok Sabha for the second day in the district. During his whirlwind tour, he addressed meetings at Purushottampur, Kabisurya Nagar, Polasara, Aska, Dharakote, Sorada and Chhatrapur.
The chief minister, however, said, his government is working for all-round development and swabhiman (self-reliance) of the four crore Odia people of the state. "We have undertaken several development works. Many more have to be taken up. I need your blessing for this purpose," he added
Recalling the launch of his political carrier from Ganjam district, Patnaik said, he had entered into politics when he contested the the bye-election for Aska Lok Sabha seat in 1997 after the death of his father Biju Patnaik. "Since then, I have served the people of the state with your blessings," he stated.
During the campaign, he appealed to people to vote for his party's symbol 'conch' and give the party a massive mandate in the ensuing elections. He introduced the candidates of his party, who accompanied him, at the rallies in their respective assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies.
The chief minister kicked off his election campaign on Wednesday from his home constituency Hinjili. After covering the Hinjili segment through a road-show, he campaigned in Berhampur and Gopalpur last evening.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)