Sonia attacks BJD govt in Odisha on corruption

Congress President Sonia Gandhi today attacked the ruling BJD in Odisha accusing it of indulging in large-scale corruption in mining sector and social welfare schemes.
Addressing her first poll rally in poverty-stricken Nuapada district, Gandhi alleged that while the mining scam was of Rs 60,000 crore, Odisha also witnessed large-scale corruption in implementation of MGNREGA, mid-day meal and chit fund scandal.
Countering Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's remark that Congress was an 'ocean of corruption', Gandhi read out a list of scams in the state and said "The Supreme Court monitored irregularity in the rural job scheme and you know better how these people managed the mid-day meal scheme."

Referring to the CAG report on food grain quota for BPL families, she said "UPA government has given thousands of crores of rupees for the development of Odisha.
"If one compares the amount of central funding to Odisha during the previous NDA regime in which the BJD was a part and the present UPA rule, there will be no confusion," she said.
"Comparison shows there is zameen-asman farak (hell and heaven difference)."

The Odisha government also did not take proper action when lakhs of depositors were duped by ponzi scheme companies, she alleged.
Denying Patnaik's allegations of Centre's negligence towards the state, Gandhi countered that the BJD government was known for inefficiency and inability to contain rising crimes against women, besides indulging in corruption.

Gandhi also cautioned the people against political parties making 'tall pre-election promises' and asked voters not to get misled or carried away.
"The country is passing through a very crucial period and a phase of trial. There are people who talk big and approach voters with tall promises," the Congress chief said.
"You should never trust these people who show you dreams. You must realise that they are not with you as their only agenda is to grab the kursi (chair) and not to serve people," she said.
The people should not take such parties at face value and seriously apply their mind before voting in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, the UPA chairperson said.

She claimed that Congress had always been with the poor, dalits, tribals and the downtrodden and backed the people during crises.