“People of Odisha have not forgotten the golden rule of Congress when the growth rate of Odisha was restricted to 3%. From there under BJD rule the growth rate has reached 10% which is higher than the national average,” said BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra.

“Under Congress rule, Odisha was dependent on rice from other states. Under BJD Government, we not only reached self-sufficiency in rice production by 2007, but we also became rice-surplus in 2011 and now the third highest contributor of rice to the PDS system,” he added.

Patra further said that during Congress rule the Infant Mortality Rate was the worst in the country, but today Odisha is better than the national average.

Speaking on Rahul’s promise to increase the paddy MSP to Rs 2,600, Patra said BJD has been demanding for an MSP of Rs 2930 for paddy which was also unanimously resolved in the Vidhan Sabha in 2017.

“Unfortunately, the Congress only spoke of Rs 2500 as MSP in 2018 and as if they are doing some charity are now talking of Rs 2600 in 2019,” he added.

“BJD has been maintaining equidistance between the BJP and Congress and our only alliance is with the people of Odisha and for their development and progress,” Patra maintained.