Bhubaneswar, April 18 -- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tore into the BJD government over the 5T initiative, alleging that Rs 500 crore has been spent for its publicity while a scam to the tune of Rs 40,000 crore has been committed through the programme. The BJP demanded recovery for Rs 500 crore from the ruling party.

Addressing a presser in Bhubaneswar, BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal showed documents and alleged, "The 5T was an undemocratic system and it was a political programme. The Election Commission of India has deemed it a political programme and took action. Rs 500 crore was spent for 5T publicity and Rs 50 to Rs 60 crore was spent towards helicopter rides."

Besides, many meetings were held in the name of 5T and public hearings...