Odisha’s identity, language under threat under BJD government : Modi’s sharpest attack on BJD

Bhubaneswar : In a sharpest attack on the BJD, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Odisha’s identity and language is under threat under the the BJD government, and the people are no longer willing to endure it. Despite boasting extensive natural resources, Odisha had the potential to stand out as one of the wealthiest states in the nation. However, Modi observed during an exclusive interview with Network18 Group’s Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi that it has fallen behind in the advancement seen in other states, perpetuating a sense of desolation.

Modi said the ruling BJD has won five state elections in a row and Naveen Patnaik has been the Chief Minister for 24 years, the second-longest-serving head of an Indian state ever. But it has not led to the development as expected of a stable government that has such support of the people, he added.

Regarding the BJP’s affiliation with the BJD, the Prime Minister highlighted that the BJD has consistently provided issue-based support to the Central government, akin to other political parties. He cited instances such as the BJD’s backing of the BJP in the Rajya Sabha during the passage of crucial bills.

“The BJD was part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, between 1999 and 2009. Since BJD walked out of the NDA before 2009 elections, the BJP and BJD are not friends, but they are not foes either,” he said.