People Of Odisha Will Choose My Successor: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said the people of Odisha will choose his successor.

“I believe that the people of our state will choose a successor at the right time,” the CM said at the 8^th edition of the Odisha Literary Festival here on Sunday.

He was interacting with the editorial director of The New Indian Express, Prabhu Chawla, at the concluding session of the two-day literary festival. Here are the excerpts of the posers and his replies:

Close to Modi?

Asked about his apparent closeness to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the recent elections, the CM said his government always believed in constructive cooperation with the Centre. “We support whatever is constructive and creative,” he pointed out.

Sports

On his government’s initiative to improve sports and related infrastructure in the state, he said the youths are the investment for the future. “I hope Odisha will produce sportspersons of Olympic standards in the coming days,” he added.

J&K

Regarding the abrogation of the special status for Jammu and Kashmir, Naveen said there has been a series of deliberations on it. “I am optimistic that there will be more development on Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

Fitness

Talking about his fitness, the CM said he exercises twice a day in the morning and evening, maintains a strict diet and eats less.

Favourite Author

On his interest in literature, he said among the Odia authors, his favourite author is Fakir Mohan Senapati. Besides, he also named Team India captain Virat Kohli as his favourite sportsperson.

Vision

Asked about the major challenge he expects during his tenure as the Chief Minister, Naveen said he hopes that the people will cooperate for the inclusive development of the state and the alleviation poverty.