Odisha backward courtesy inefficient BJD: Amit Shah

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Wednesday, while guaranteeing of making Odisha the best state in the country, said the backwardness of the state is due to the inefficiency of the State Government.

"Odisha is a state of immense opportunities, but due to the inability of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), it is still a backward state," said Amit Shah, while addressing a rally in Jajpur's Panikoili village.

Shah claimed that the BJP would form its government in Odisha in 2019 with two-third majority.

"Our aim is not only to gain two-third majority, but also to make Odisha the number state in the country," Shah said.

Shah also drew comparison between the funds given to the state under the UPA Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government.

"Under the UPA Government, Odisha was granted Rs. 68,119 crore in the 13th Finance Commission, whereas under the Modi Government, Rs. 1,84,000 crore were granted in the 14th Finance Commission," he said.

Amit Shah is in Odisha on a three-day tour with the focus of expanding party base in the state ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.