Bhubaneswar: The issue of construction of the second bridge over Brahmani in Rourkela took a political turn on Monday with chief minister Naveen Patnaik accusing the Centre of not being serious about the project and expressed the state government's eagerness to build it with its own resources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised building the second bridge during the 2014 poll campaign and Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari had laid the foundation stone in July after his party MLA Dillip Ray had made a hue and cry over the delay.

Gadkari had promised that the work would begin within a fortnight. The delay has triggered protests with local leaders describing the second bridge as a gimmick.

On Monday, a delegation of BJD leaders took up the issue with Naveen. They accused the Centre of cheating the people of Rourkela and Sundargarh by delaying construction of the second bridge.

Talking to the delegation, Naveen said: "I will discuss the issue with the Centre. If they are not serious about it, we will build the bridge from our own funds."

The BJP said it would take up the issue with Prime minister Narendra Modi.