Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik responded strongly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks made during election rallies in the state. In a video statement on Sunday, Patnaik addressed Modi directly, questioning his understanding and acknowledgment of Odisha's culture and language.
"Honourable Prime Minister, how much do you recall about Odisha? Despite Odia being a classical language, it seems to have slipped your memory. While Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated to Sanskrit, Odia language and culture seem to have been overlooked," expressed the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief.
Patnaik also highlighted the neglect of Odissi music, stating, "I've submitted proposals for the recognition of classical Odissi music, yet they were rejected twice."
This response from Patnaik was prompted by Modi's remarks implying the need for a Chief Minister in Odisha who truly understands the Odia language and culture, made during a rally in Berhampur.
Patnaik countered by pointing out the exploitation of Odisha's natural resources, particularly coal, without commensurate benefits to the state. He reminded the Centre of its failure to increase coal royalty over the past decade.
Moreover, Patnaik criticized the timing of the Centre's attention to Odisha, emphasizing that mere election-time gestures hold no value. He reminded Modi of unfulfilled promises made to the people of Odisha, such as price reduction, job creation, and connectivity improvements.
Patnaik also questioned the government's decision to overlook the contributions of Odisha's heroes while conferring the Bharat Ratna on others.
Asserting the strength of the BJD's position, Patnaik confidently declared the party's readiness to form the government in Odisha for the sixth consecutive time, dismissing any potential impact from the BJP's efforts.
