Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his government’s foreign policy and “steps to eradicate corruption.” Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik rated the Modi government “8 out of 10” as he hailed the Centre's foreign policy and work towards eradication of corruption."I rate the Modi government 8 out of 10 because of what he has done for foreign policy and also in various other matters... also there has been less corruption in this (BJP) government," Patnaik said.
Responding to a question on Women’s Reservation Bill, the Odisha CM called it an “important step” adding his party has always supported women empowerment, as per a PTI report.
“My father (ex-CM Biju Patnaik) had reserved 33 per cent of the seats for women in local elections, and I increased it to 50 per cent." Patnaik said his party had fielded women candidates in 33 per cent of the Lok Sabha seats in Odisha in the 2019 polls,” he said.
Patnaik also backed ‘one nation, one election’ saying that his party has always welcomed it and that they are prepared for it.
Speaking on his party’s relationship with the Centre, the BJD President said, "We have a cordial relationship with the Centre. Naturally, we want the development of our state and it's important to have the Union government's partnership in the development."
Patnaik said politics "need not be dirty" as it can be a great platform for serving the people.
The Odisha government has been dedicatedly working towards eradication of poverty and all-around development of the state, he said.
Patnaik also claimed that his state has been undergoing transformation in different sectors while maintaining its eternal values of peace, non-violence and social cohesion.