'Name all Odisha districts': PM Modi dares Odisha CM Patnaik
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a public meeting in Kandhamal, Odisha, on Saturday issued a challenge to the state's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He dared Patnaik to name all the districts of Odisha and their respective capitals without referring to any written notes. "I want to challenge 'Naveen Babu' as he has been the CM for such a long, ask 'Naveen Babu' to name the districts of Odisha and their respective capitals without seeing them on paper," said PM Modi.
PM Modi criticizes Odisha's current administration
PM Modi further criticized the current Biju Janata Dal (BJD) administration, suggesting that its lack of trust in the people's capabilities was hindering Odisha's development. "Your state government is not willing to trust your capabilities, due to which your development remains stunted," he stated. The prime minister emphasized the need for transparency and empowerment, indicating that Patnaik's unawareness of people's issues was causing discontent among citizens.
PM Modi highlights Odisha's tourism potential
He also underscored Odisha's vast potential for tourism and its significance in the economic landscape. He drew parallels with historic events like the Pokhran nuclear test to emphasize India's capabilities and the need to harness them for progress. Additionally, PM Modi promised to improve living conditions in Odisha, portraying the upcoming elections as a crucial turning point for its future. "Give me five years...not more than that, just five years, I will make your state number one," he said.
BJP-BJD alliance talks failed
PM Modi's challenge came after failed alliance talks between the BJD and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha. Talks for an alliance fizzled out after two weeks of deliberations in March. The BJD did not want the BJP to get a larger share of the 147 assembly seats because it won 112 of them in the 2019 elections, while the BJP won 23. The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha will take place from May 13 to June 1.
