Odisha’s Identity & Language Under Threat, Says Prime Minister Modi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s identity and language under threat under the rule of BJD government and the people will not tolerate it any more, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

With its vast natural resources, Odisha could have emerged as one of the richest state in the country. But it has failed to catch up with progress of other states and continues to be in despair, said Modi in an exclusive interview with Network18 Group’s Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi.

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.

On BJP’s relation with the BJD, the Prime Minister said the BJD has been offering issue-based support to the Central government like other parties. He was referring to BJD backing BJP in the Rajya Sabha during the passage of important 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.

At the same time, Modi said the identity of Odisha is “under threat” under the BJD rule. “Odisha’s self-identity is in danger. Odia language under threat. I don’t think the people of Odisha will be able to tolerate this for long. It has so much of resources that today Odisha could have been the richest state of India. But what kind of condition has been created?” Modi said in the interview.

He further said the people of Odisha should give BJP one chance to take the state to great heights of develoment and progress.

It may be noted that Naveen is eyeing sixth consecutive term as chief minister in the ensuing elections in the state. Simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be held in the state in four phases beginning from May 13.