Network18 Exclusive - Odisha’s self-identity in danger; BJP should get chance to serve the state, says PM Modi

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about BJP going it alone in Odisha after its alliance with BJD did not work out even as he launched an attack on the Naveen Patnaik-led party.

In an exclusive interview to News18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, News18 Kannada Editor, Hariprasad, and News18 Lokmat Anchor Vilas Bade, PM Modi said that BJP has always operated separately in Odisha.

He said that BJD has been offering issue-based support at the Centre, like many other parties. He was referring to BJD backing BJP in the Rajya Sabha during the passage of important bills.

However, PM Modi said that under BJD rule, the identity of Odisha is "under threat".

"Odisha’s self-identity is in danger. Odia language under threat. I don't think that 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?" PM Modi asked.

He said that BJP should get a chance to serve Odisha to take the people of the state to great heights.

The assembly elections in Odisha will be held in four phases along the Lok Sabha polls.

Naveen Patniak has been the chief minister of the state since 2000 and is eyeing a record sixth term in the 2024 elections. However, with the alliance not working out, BJP is looking to unseat Patniak.