During a public gathering in Odisha’s Kandhamal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a bold challenge to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, urging him to demonstrate his intimate knowledge of the state by naming all its districts and their respective capitals without the aid of written notes. This challenge, framed by PM Modi, was positioned as a litmus test of Patnaik’s connection with the region he governs.
“I want to challenge ‘Naveen Babu’ as he has been the CM for such a long time, ask ‘Naveen Babu’ to name the districts of Odisha and their respective capitals without seeing them on paper. If the CM cannot name the districts of the state, will he know your pain?” the Prime Minister remarked.
PM Modi emphasized the need for transparency and empowerment, criticizing what he perceived as a lack of trust by the state government in the capabilities of its people. He suggested that such mistrust was impeding Odisha’s development potential, especially in sectors like tourism, which could significantly contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Drawing parallels to historic events such as the Pokhran nuclear test, PM Modi underscored India’s capabilities and the necessity to leverage them for progress. He promised to improve the living conditions of the people, drawing from his own humble beginnings, and rallied for support, portraying the upcoming elections as crucial for Odisha’s future.
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“Odisha has always extended immense love and support to me. I will repay every ounce of your trust by selflessly serving the country. Twenty-six years ago, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji conducted the Pokhran test, filling Indians all over the world with pride. That moment marked India’s assertion of its capabilities to the world. In contrast, the Congress party instills fear among its own people by repeatedly emphasizing, ‘Pakistan is a nuclear power’,” he articulated.
Odisha is set to hold Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections in four phases from May 13 to June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.
In the 2019 Assembly election, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) secured 112 out of 146 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 23 seats and the Congress secured 9.
During the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJD emerged victorious, securing the majority of seats in the state, followed closely by the BJP, with the Congress trailing behind. The BJD won 12 seats, the BJP secured 8, and the Congress managed to secure just one seat.
