PM Modi Takes Aim at Odisha’s Leadership During Berhampur Rally

In Short

• PM Modi predicts end of BJD government in Odisha
• Calls for a Chief Minister who understands Odia culture
• Blames BJD and Congress for Odisha’s poverty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha during a campaign rally in Berhampur.

Without directly naming Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, PM Modi criticized the lack of understanding of Odia language and culture among the state’s leadership.

He emphasized the need for a Chief Minister who could resonate with the sentiments of the people and effectively represent the state’s rich heritage.

Addressing the crowd, PM Modi highlighted the persistent issues of poverty despite Odisha’s abundant natural resources.

He attributed this to what he termed as decades of mismanagement and corruption under both Congress and BJD regimes.

PM Modi asserted that his government had consistently allocated substantial funds to Odisha, surpassing previous allocations, but criticized the BJD for their alleged failure to utilize these funds efficiently.

PM Modi expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects in the upcoming elections, declaring that a BJP leader would assume the role of Chief Minister following the polls. He set a bold deadline of June 4 for the end of the BJD government’s tenure, inviting the public to witness the swearing-in ceremony of the BJP’s Chief Minister in Bhubaneswar on June 10.

In response, Naveen Patnaik dismissed PM Modi’s claims as mere wishful thinking, asserting that he would be sworn in for a sixth consecutive term as Chief Minister of Odisha.

His aide, VK Pandian, reiterated this stance, reaffirming Naveen Patnaik’s leadership and challenging the BJP’s assertions.

The exchange between PM Modi and Naveen Patnaik underscores the intensifying political contest in Odisha, as parties vie for power ahead of the elections.