Bhubaneswar : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday accused the central government of neglecting his state and reducing its funds.
Addressing Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers on the birth anniversary of his father and former chief minister Biju Patnaik, the party president said the centre was drastically cutting the share of Odisha in the 14th Finance Commission allocation.
“The centre has to play its role in the development of the state in a federal structure. Unfortunately, even though the centre appreciated the state’s performance in managing fiscal deficit, it has reduced the share of the state in the 14th Finance Commission. Is it not political discrimination?” the chief minister asked.
He said the demands of Odisha were not considered in the union budget, while special packages were granted to Bihar and West Bengal.
The Bharatiya Janata Party was quick to refute Patnaik’s allegations and urged him to focus on development instead.
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, who is a Lok Sabha member from Odisha, said: “According to the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, the devolution of share has been increased to 42 percent from 32 percent. The state would receive more funds as per recommendations.”
Reacting to the special packages, Oram said they were given to revenue-deficit states.
“Why didn’t the chief minister go and tell the commission that his state is revenue deficit? He rather went and highlighted his achievements, thereby making the state ineligible for the special entitlement,” Oram said.