Odisha launches 'Jansampark Padyatra' to sensitise public

Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) launched its 'Jansampark Padyatra' - march for mass contact - on Friday to sensitise people about its various developmental initiatives in the state.

BJD supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the padyatra in the capital city while the party leaders fanned out across the state to intensify the campaign.

The march will continue till Jayaprakash Jayanti on October 11.

"We will try our best to fulfil promises made in the manifestos during the assembly and Lok Sabha elections," said Patnaik.

The chief minister attacked the union government for stopping the flow of funds for certain central schemes, which the party believes would affect the people.

He said his government would continue the schemes with the state's resources.

Meanwhile, the Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party held 'Satyagraha' (non-cooperation movement) across 147 assembly constituencies of the state, highlighting what it alleged were the inefficiencies of the BJD government.

"The party is highlighting the development works of Narendra Modi-led central government and the failure of the state government," said state BJP president K.V. Singhdeo.

With the chief minister attacking the Centre for alleged the neglect of the state, Singhdeo dared him for a debate on the issue. "We dare the chief minister to join a debate," said Singhdeo.