Ahead of the Phase 7 of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Odisha's fate is about to change.
Describing his relationship with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the PM said his party shares good relations with the leaders of all political parties.
"We have good relations with the leaders of all the political parties of India and in a democracy, we do not have enmity.
Now the question is whether I should maintain my relations or worry about the fate of Odisha.
It is very natural that if Odisha comes out of it, then it will flourish," PM Modi said.
Despite the BJD and the BJP being in a coalition government for nine years starting from 2000, the alliance dissolved prior to the 2009 general elections.
Ahead of the Phase 7 of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Odisha's fate is about to change.
"The fate of Odisha is about to change; the government is changing. I have said that the expiry date of the current Odisha government is June 4 and on June 10, the BJP CM will take oath in Odisha,” said PM Modi.
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In an interview with ANI, the PM said he is confident that the BJP will return to power at the Centre and will form the government in Odisha which is also facing Assembly elections simultaneously.
Describing his relationship with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the PM said his party shares good relations with the leaders of all political parties. "We have good relations with the leaders of all the political parties of India and in a democracy, we do not have enmity. Now the question is whether I should maintain my relations or worry about the fate of Odisha. I chose to devote myself to the bright future of Odisha and if I have to sacrifice my relations for that, I will sacrifice them and after the elections, I will convince everyone that I have no enmity with anyone..." the PM told ANI.
Patnaik has been in power as the Chief Minister since 2000. He is seeking a record sixth term in simultaneous state elections.
"There has been no progress in Odisha for the past 25 years. The biggest concern is that a toli (group) has taken over the entire Odisha system. It seems the whole system has been taken hostage. It is very natural that if Odisha comes out of it, then it will flourish," PM Modi said.
According to the PM, it is a “question of the authenticity of Odisha”. “Odisha has so many natural resources. It is sad to see the poor people of such a prosperous state. Odisha is in the prosperous states of India. It is such a natural property, but it is also in the list of states with many poor people. The government is responsible for this. That is why the people of Odisha should get their rights. Odisha should get its identity," he said.
Despite the BJD and the BJP being in a coalition government for nine years starting from 2000, the alliance dissolved prior to the 2009 general elections, prompting the two parties to contest independently.
