Bhubaneswar, Nov. 23: Several BJD leaders today slammed the Narendra Modi government for its apathetic attitude towards the state.

This comes after chief minister Naveen Patnaik's mention of neglect by the Centre's during the farmers' convention at Sohela on Thursday.

The party leaders today also used the occasion - the students' convention of the party - to project the secular image of BJD by raising the issue of growing intolerance in the country. Though the chief minister's speech at the convention made no mention of these issues, his party leaders more than made up for that.

BJD youth wing president and minister Sanjay Das Burma raised the issue of intolerance. "The BJP is trying to script a new history. Attempts are being made to attack democratic forces. Eminent poet Jayanta Mohapatra has taken an historic decision to return his Padma Shree award. Not only litterateurs, even scientists and other prominent people are raising their voice against intolerance," he said.

Several BJD leaders, including Das Burma, also underscored the issue of neglect by the Centre.

"Modi's Make in India slogan has turned out to be hollow. Odisha does not even figure in the list of states that are part of the proposed industrial corridor," he said.

Student leaders who spoke on the occasion also criticised Modi's "acchhe din" slogan. Higher education minister Pradeep Panigrahi called upon students to be united and join hands with Naveen to foil the conspiracy of the Centre against the state. BJD women's wing president Pramila Mallick pointed out that the Modi government had withdrawn eight schemes meant for the state.

Speaking at the event, Naveen spelt out three C's - courage, conviction and commitment - describing them as the success mantra in life.

"Three words are important in life to get success. These are courage, conviction and commitment. If you have conviction on any subject, proceed with commitment and courage. You would surely succeed in life," Naveen said.

On the farmer's issue, Naveen said: "Natural calamities are nothing new for us. We have faced natural calamities such as flood, cyclone and drought situation successfully for the past 15 years. We are confident that we will face the drought."