The Central Government is earning revenue of thousands of crores of rupees of royalty from coal in Odisha, but unfortunately the State is only getting “pollution and dust” in return, said BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at an election rally here on Saturday.

Without taking names, Patnaik accused BJP leaders of Odisha of their involvement in illegal coal trade.

“Are some BJP bigwigs involved in illegal coal trade in the State,” he questioned, adding that companies like MCL and NTPC are getting huge benefits from their operations in the State, but no development works in the peripheral areas have been undertaken by these companies.

Patnaik further attacked the BJP Government for not revising coal royalty and asked why a “five-minute” job could not be done in last five long years.

He also alleged that BJP leaders in the State are working for contractors neglecting local Odia youths in matter of employment.

“At a time when many landless people in the State are yet to get justice, why the Central Ministers from Odisha have kept mum over the issue,” Patnaik questioned.

Further, Patnaik alleged that BJP leaders are getting involved in incidents of ransacking of EVMs fearing defeat in the elections as is indicated from the polling in the first and second phases. He said this obviously referring to the vandalising of EVMs in Sorada in Ganjam district, for which the local BJP MLA candidate has been arrested.  

Ending his speech, Patnaik reiterated that he gives priority to interest of the common people and he would continue to serve the people of Odisha till his last breath.

Patnaik later visited Sambalpur and addressed poll rallies campaigning for BJD candidates.