On Gandhi's claim that Centre provided maximum funds to Odisha, Rout hit back saying: “The Centre is not doing any mercy towards the state.”
“The state on the other hand is denied its genuine rights under the federal system of governance. They (the UPA government) have been neglecting Odisha,” he added. Opposition BJP too criticised Gandhi for his remark on the mining scam.
“The Shah panel has held both the Centre and the state responsible for the illegal mining activities. Why did the Centre delay in ordering a CBI probe into the mining scam ?” BJP spokesman Suresh Pujari asked. Holding Congress responsible for poverty in Odisha, he said the party had been in power both at the Centre and in the state for a long period.
“Therefore, Congress is also responsible for the poverty of Odisha.” Gandhi, who held his first roadshow in the state today, accused the Naveen Patnaik-government of failing to implement various schemes in the state and misappropriating central funds.
