Bhubaneswar: The BJP national president Amit Shah on Sunday released their party's manifesto for upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Odisha. Shah, after releasing the party's manifesto here, said the BJP seeks to build a "New Odisha" by breaking the shackles of the Patnaik-led government, which ruled the state for 19 years.
Exuding confidence that the BJP will come to power both in Odisha and at the Centre, he said the party manifesto for the state focussed on the welfare and empowerment of farmers, women, youth and the weaker sections of society.
What BJP manifesto said?
- The BJP assured implementation of Ayushman Bharat Yojana and PM-KISAN scheme in the state, besides PESA Act within three months of coming to power.
- Farmers will be given loans at zero percent interest while Rs 1 lakh crore will be spent on the irrigation sector.
- While chit fund accused will be jailed, it promised to return the duped money to the depositors.
- The BJP also promised a metro rail between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
- After completing 10+2 exam, meritorious students will be given two-wheelers.
- The BJP government will establish a Skill Odisha Fund of Rs 3,500 crore to skill 20 lakh youth under the Odisha Skill Development Program over the next five years.
- Youth of the state will be provided the opportunity for self-employment through a revolving fund of Rs 3,000 crore which will facilitate loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at one per cent interest rate.
- Rs 1,000 crore 'Dharmapad Start-Up Fund' will be given to support innovative business ideas and nurture the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth.
- Capital punishment will be given to those who commit rape of girls under the age of 15.
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On the occasion, the BJP President alleged that Odisha is being run by bureaucrats who do not understand the feelings of the people.
"BJD has proved worse than Congress in Odisha. They haven't been able to live up to the expectations of the people of Odisha," he said.
While Odisha has great potential, it has not been explored. Despite being rich in natural resources, its people were poor. It was lagging behind in drinking water, houses, health, security for women, education and other fields against the national average, Shah added.
Odisha will have Assembly and Lok Sabha polls simultaneously in four phases from April 11.
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