Naveen-Dharmendra Bat For Odisha’s Socio-Economic Growth

New Delhi: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met here on Friday, during which they discussed employment generation and socio-economic development of Odisha.

The CM told reporters: “I am hopeful that a lot of good things will come out of the meeting”.

“I had a cordial meeting with the Union Minister on how we can give further employment, development and welfare through mutual programmes of the Centre and the State,” he said.

The meeting between the two leaders was the first after the general elections and Dharmendra said no political motives should be attached to it as the people have already given their mandate.

“We discussed how effectively both the Centre and the Odisha government can work for the welfare of the 4.5 crore people of the state. Our aim is the creation of employment opportunities and this is our key objective,” the Union Minister said.

To a question on whether BJD was cosying up to the BJP-led government, the Chief Minister said: “We believe in constructive cooperation with the central government”.

Naveen is currently on a week-long visit to Delhi and has already met the Prime Minister to put across Odisha’s demands.

Reports had suggested that during his meeting with the Steel Minister, a road map for developing Odisha as the steel capital of India could also be discussed.