The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Odisha): On May 11, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for neglecting Odisha and its cultural heritage, including the Odia language and its eminent personalities. This response came after PM Modi’s jibe about Patnaik forgetting the names of Odisha’s districts.
In a video message, Patnaik accused PM Modi of remembering Odisha only during election periods and neglecting the state otherwise. He highlighted that despite Odisha’s Odia language receiving a classical status, it did not receive financial support, unlike Sanskrit, which received Rs 1,000 crore.
Patnaik also mentioned his efforts to gain classical status for Odissi music, which were rejected twice by the Prime Minister. Additionally, he pointed out several unfulfilled promises made by Modi, including the doubling of MSP for farmers, construction of a coastal highway, increasing coal royalties, reducing price rises, and providing two crore jobs.
Patnaik questioned Modi’s sincerity in fulfilling the promises made during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He asserted that the BJP cannot win the hearts of the Odia people and confidently stated that his party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), would form the government for the sixth time in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Earlier, PM Modi had challenged Patnaik to name all districts and their headquarters without referring to a paper, questioning his familiarity with the state’s administrative divisions. Modi further criticized Patnaik during a speech in Bolangir, doubting his knowledge of villages in his own constituency without assistance.
Patnaik is contesting from two constituencies, Hinjili in Ganjam district and Kantabanji in Bolangir district. Both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be held in Odisha in four phases, from May 13 to June 1.
The exchanges between Patnaik and Modi highlight the political tensions as Odisha heads to the polls. Patnaik’s assertive stance against Modi underscores his confidence in BJD’s stronghold in the state despite BJP’s efforts to gain ground.