BJP President Amit Shah on Sunday said Odisha needs a change as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik looks "tired" and seems to lacks the will to develop the state.

"You have given Congress and the BJD (Biju Janata Dal) a chance to rule the state. Give BJP a chance and we will take Odisha on the path of development," said Shah, who addressed two election rallies in Aska and Bargarh Lok Sabha constituencies where polling will be held in the second phase on April 18.

Accusing Patnaik's BJD of failing to develop the state in 19 last years despite Odisha being rich in natural resources, the BJP President alleged that Odisha is being run by the bureaucrats while the elected representatives have no voice in the government.

"Modi government has given Rs 5.56 lakh crore to Odisha. However, it hasn't reached the people yet as it's been gobbled up by Naveen Babu's people," he alleged.

The BJP President also appealed to the people not to repeat the mistake of voting for the BJD again, alleging that there will be more chit fund and mining scams if the BJD government is re-elected.

"If BJP elected to power in Odisha, there will be no corruption. The rule of babus will end," he said, and also assured to create more job opportunities in the state so that the people don't have to migrate to other states.

Shah also mocked Patnaik for his lack of command over the Odia language, the mother tongue of the state.

"Can Naveen Babu speak Odia even after 19 years of governing the state? Choose a Chief Minister who can speak and understand your language and feelings," he said.

Elections to Odisha's 21 Lok Sabha seats and 147 Assembly seats will be held simultaneously in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29.

--IANS

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