Bhubaneswar: May 09: Political Parties in Odisha celebrated ‘Akshaya Trutiya’, the auspicious day to begin farming season, to win the hearts of farmers. BJD supremo and Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patanik celebrated this great occasion by ploughing fields and sowing seeds at Laxminarayanpur in Puri district and also launched ‘Direct Benefit Transfer’ Scheme for farmers.
Union Minister for Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh did the ceremonial plough in the fields at a programme organised by State BJP unit at Kandarpur of Cuttack district. Also, the Minister is scheduled to meet farmers to discuss the issues.
The State unit of Congress also celebrated the Akshya Trutiya. The party has organised a programme at Balakati, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
The ruling Biju Janata Dal has criticised the BJP for inviting a Union Leader for participating in a Farmers’ programme. BJD leader Dr.Damodar Rout said, it is only a vote bank politics by BJP. Congress leader Narasingha Mishra criticising both BJD and BJP said, ‘Those who are exploiting the farmers most are expressing empathy for them.’ However BJP leader Samir Mohanty said, ‘ Union Agriculture Minister’s participation in a farmers’ programme will earn benefit for farmers’ community of Odisha.’
