CM Naveen Patnaik Hits Back At PM Modi: 'Remembering Odisha Only At Election Time Will Be Of No Use'
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik rebuked PM Modi for allegedly neglecting Odisha's development, language, and culture. He highlighted unfulfilled promises and questioned the Prime Minister's commitment to the state.
In a direct response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik firmly asserted that remembering Odisha only during election time would be of no benefit to the state. Speaking out against the PM's remarks made during election rallies today, Patnaik highlighted several issues concerning the state's development as he questioned the BJP's commitments towards the state.
Patnaik expressed his disappointment with PM Modi's alleged neglect of Odia language and culture, stating, "You have forgotten about Odia language and Odissi music, despite their classical significance. I have proposed recognition for classical Odissi music twice, only to face rejection." He further criticised the allocation of funds, noting, "You allocated 1000 crores to Sanskrit but zero to Odia."
"You have forgotten about Odissi music. I have sent proposals for classical Odissi music recognition and you rejected them twice. There are so many brave sons in Odisha, a few of whom you spoke about today. Don't any of them deserve the Bharat Ratna? You have given away the Bharat Ratna to so many people but you again forgot about the great son of Odisha, Mr Biju Patnaik," he added.
मात्र चुनावों में ओड़िसा को याद करने वाले राजनेता..
— Saurabh Srivastava (@saurabhsriLive) May 11, 2024
माननीय मुख्यमंत्री नवीन पटनायक जी को सुनें… pic.twitter.com/AXlKB1zOex
Biju Patnaik is a former chief minister of Odisha and also incumbent Naveen Patnaik's father.
Referring to promises made by PM Modi in previous elections, Patnaik reminded the electorate of unfulfilled pledges, including the doubling of the Minimum Support Price for farmers and creating 2 crore jobs. "You promised to double the MSP of the farmers of Odisha, and you forgot about it. You should have kept the people of Odisha in mind and built the Coastal Highway, which also you have forgotten. Odisha's natural wealth is coal. You take coal from Odisha, but you have forgotten to increase the royalty in the last 10 years. Remembering Odisha only at election time will be of no use. Do you remember the promises you made in 2014 and 2019? People of Odisha remember your promise to reduce prices, create 2 crore jobs, reduce LPG, petrol, and diesel prices, provide Mobile connectivity to all, reduce and waive GST," he said.
"The people of Odisha have not forgotten any of these promises," CM Patnaik remarked.
He expressed confidence in the BJD's sixth win in the upcoming Odisha assembly elections as he said, "Nothing will happen on June 10, neither in next 10 years. The BJP can't win the hearts of the people of Odisha. With the blessings from Lord Jagannath and the love of the people of Odisha, The Biju Janata Dal will form the government in Odisha for the sixth term."
In a veiled response to BJD leader VK Pandian's claim of inheriting the esteemed legacy of Patnaik, Modi earlier made a pointed remark, stating, "I extend my invitation to you all for the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP's chief minister in Bhubaneswar on June 10. A leader deeply rooted in the state's culture, language, and traditions will assume the mantle."
PM Modi's Challenge To Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik
Patnaik's retort comes after PM Modi's challenge to him during a rally, where Modi questioned Patnaik's familiarity with the districts of Odisha. Modi, addressing the crowd, challenged Patnaik to name the districts and their "capitals" without consulting any reference material, emphasising the need for a leader who understands local affairs. It's worth noting that Indian districts do not have designated capitals. More On It: PM Modi's Challenge To CM Naveen Patnaik: 'Name Odisha's Districts And Their Capitals' — WATCH
Modi, appealing for another term in Lok Sabha and also for the BJP in the upcoming Odisha assembly, urged the electorate to consider entrusting him with their future. "If in those five years, I don't make Odisha number 1, then you can question me," he asserted.
Odisha is gearing up for the polls where voters will cast their ballots for all 21 Lok Sabha seats and the 147-member assembly concurrently, spread across four phases, commencing on May 13.
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