Naveen Patnaik

1. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik rebuked Modi’s neglect of Odia language and culture compared to Sanskrit.
2. He highlighted the rejection of proposals for recognizing classical Odissi music.
3. Naveen Patnaik’s response came after Modi’s criticism of Odisha’s development under BJD rule.

Bhubaneswar, May 12: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik issued a robust response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent criticism during election rallies in the state.

In a video statement, Patnaik highlighted discrepancies in the Prime Minister’s attention towards Odia language and culture compared to Sanskrit, emphasizing the neglect of Odia despite its classical status. He also mentioned rejected proposals for recognizing classical Odissi music.

This retort follows PM Modi’s remark in Berhampur, questioning why Odisha, rich in resources, lags in development, attributing it to past administrations like the Congress and BJD.

Patnaik countered, pointing out the extraction of coal from Odisha without commensurate benefits for the state. He criticized the Centre’s failure to raise coal royalties over the past decade.

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Furthermore, Patnaik criticized PM Modi’s election-time focus on Odisha, calling for substantive action rather than rhetorical gestures.

He reminded the Prime Minister of unfulfilled promises made in 2014 and 2019, including price reductions, job creation, and connectivity improvements.

Questioning the government’s recognition of Odia heroes, Patnaik contrasted the conferment of Bharat Ratna with the oversight of Odisha’s contributions.

Concluding defiantly, Naveen Patnaik asserted the BJD’s continued electoral dominance in Odisha, dismissing BJP’s prospects of winning over the state.