CM announces Package for Farmers

Under criticism from several quarters over the recent lathicharge on farmers near Hirakud Dam, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a Rs 200-crore package for taking up canal repair work in in Hirakud area. The Chief Minister's announcement was aimed at appeasing the agitating farmers as well as scoring a point over the beleaguered opposition. Time and again, Naveen Patnaik has proved his political brinkmanship and silenced his critics.

The Chief Minister addressed a public meeting attended by farmer representatives from Western Orissa and assured them that not a single drop of water of farmers' share would be diverted for industries.