BJD stole money sent for people's development, says Rahul Gandhi in Odisha

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) of stealing the money meant for the development of people and the state.

"Odisha has almost everything needed for development. But schools are shut, hospitals are non-functioning. Who's responsible is this? This is the responsibility of the Odisha government. And the Odisha Government takes all your money and gives it to the mining mafias," he said while addressing a rally here today.

He further said that the money allotted to the state government for successful implementation of various schemes of the Centre, was never used for the betterment of people.

"Iron and Manganese worth Rs. 60,000 crore was stolen. The people should have received some benefit out of this money. But only selected people availed the benefit, and the mining mafia was benefitted", he said.

"We sent NREGA from Delhi, and the money we sent is stolen. We sent money for the mid day meal scheme, even that disappeared. What was meant for children was stolen by the BJD. And then they say that the Delhi Government is not sending money", he added.

He also said that Odisha is a rich state, but sadly the people in this region have always remained poor.

"We brought the Food Security, MNREGA, Land Acquisition Bill, RTI, and we fought for the rights of adivasis. And we have to carry on this same fight for the people of Odisha. This is a rich state, but people are poor," he said.

He also appealed to the people to remove the corrupt BJD from the state, and form a Congress government that will always fight for people's rights.

"I appeal to all the Congress workers; you will be facing elections here. Remove BJD from here and form a Congress government here that will always fight for people's rights," he added.