Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday asserted that the regional party will continue to serve the people of Odisha despite its debacle in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state.
Addressing the newly elected MLAs of the party in Bhubaneswar, Naveen said the BJD governments worked hard for the welfare of the people of the state for the last 24 years and the party will continue to do so in future. Urging the newly elected legislators not to feel ashamed of their work, he said they should serve the people selflessly.
The outgoing Chief Minister claimed that over 60 per cent of people of the state were brought above the poverty line during the 24-year rule of BJD.
He said around 70 per cent of the state’s population remained below the poverty line when he took over as CM 24 years ago. Today it has come down to 10 per cent. This was possible during the BJD rule, said the BJD chief.
All the MLAs of the BJD visited Naveen Niwas, the party supremo’s residence, and met him to express gratitude for giving them an opportunity to serve the people.
Advising all MLAs to continue their efforts for the betterment of Odisha, he asked them to be a part of the people’s sorrows and happiness. Newly elected MLA and former Minister Arun Sahoo said that the regional party will soon form a committee to find out the cause of defeat.