BJD neglected Odisha for last 25 years: Hema Malini

Bhubaneswar, May 17: Bollywood star and BJP leader Hema Malini today hit the campaign trail in Odisha and launched an attack on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accusing it of neglecting the state for the last 25 years.

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While addressing BJP’s ‘Ashirwad Samavesh’ in Bhubaneswar’s Salia Sahi slum, the actor-turned politician said that the ruling BJD has done nothing for the development of Odisha in the last 25 years and neglected it.

BJP governments in other states have changed the lives of slum-dwellers, she said urging the people give the saffron party a chance and see similar transformations in Odisha as well.

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"I have frequently visited Odisha. It is a state with rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. Despite these advantages, the state has not seen significant development. The Congress ruled here for 50 years, followed by 25 years of BJD governance, yet progress remains lacking due to the conch party’s neglect," alleged Hema Malini.

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"While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dedicated to advancing the country's development, Odisha has not benefited much from the BJD government's efforts," she added.

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PM Modi has launched several schemes, but its benefits have not reached the poor people in Odisha. Once the double-engine government forms here, the state will witness massive development which will bring a significant change to the lives of people here, added the senior BJP leader.

Later, she also attended a public rally in Pipili.