BJD has turned into a social movement: Naveen

Bhubaneswar, Dec 26: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said the party has turned into a social movement with the blessings of people of Odisha. The BJD on Sunday celebrated its 25th foundation day. “BJD, which was founded 25 years ago based on the ideologies of Biju Patnaik, is now a social movement and has become the symbol of faith and aspirations for 4.5 crore people of Odisha,” said Patnaik while addressing the party workers here. He said the BJD is the only party in India whose popularity has been increasing every year. Informing that there has been a huge change between Odisha of 2000 and Odisha of now, he said Odisha is the leading state in the country in poverty reduction. “The poverty rate has been reduced to 29% from 63% in Odisha with 88 lakh people crossing the poverty line. The state will create history by reducing poverty to 10% in the next five years with the cooperation of all. Our government will take the necessary steps to achieve the target,” Naveen said. He said the state has got international recognition in disaster management. Besides, the state is well ahead in women empowerment. The government has reserved 50 per cent seats for women in panchayat and urban polls. Over 70 lakh women have been connected through Mission Shakti, he said. Attacking the opposition parties, Patnaik said the boss of BJD is people in Odisha. “We don’t have boss in Delhi. Whatever we do is for the people in Odisha and their rights. We are only accountable to the people in Odisha for our deeds,” said Naveen.