Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led the state in celebrating the 71st Independence Day by unfurling the tricolour and receiving salute during the state-level parade at Mahatma Gandhi Marg here on Tuesday.
Around 54 troupes, including school and college students, participated. A police platoon of Telangana and the newly-formed Swift Action Force also took part in the march past.
However, humidity took its toll on the chief minister while he was delivering his speech and he was seen slowing down towards the end. He then left the podium mid-way and was taken to his residence.
According to a CMO release, he is now feeling better and will be attending all pre-scheduled programmes.
Despite being unwell, Naveen delivered a rousing speech. He recalled the heroic sacrifices of freedom fighters that paved the way for country’s independence and said Paika Rebellion was the first war against the British imperialism in India.
Throwing light on the achievements of the state government, he said, “Agriculture is considered the backbone of Indian economy. The government has taken several steps to boost agricultural production and also for the welfare of farmers in the state.”
The chief minister said the government has successfully created more than 50,000 jobs for youths under the skill development programme in the last two years and target has been set to make Odisha poverty-free in the next five years. “There has been 25% reduction in poverty following different welfare schemes,” he said.
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