Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the IIM campus in Sambalpur, Odisha with a statement that set political tempers flaring. He called Chief Minister Patnaik his 'friend', which incited a fiery reaction from the Congress party. Ajoy Kumar, the Odisha Congress in-charge, labeled BJP and BJD as political partners.
While inaugurating the IIM Sambalpur campus, PM Modi remarked, "The Chief Minister, my friend, Mr. Naveen Patnaik." Chief Minister Patnaik reciprocated the respect, addressing Modi as the "Honourable Prime Minister." He thanked PM Modi for gracing the inauguration despite his busy schedule.
What was Congress' reaction?
Responding to the situation, Congress claimed that the PM didn't utter a word against Naveen Patnaik or his close aide VK Pandian. Ajoy Kumar implicated that this silence is proof of BJD's coalition with the BJP. "We recently organized a symbolic wedding for them. They are in a hidden alliance, and Pandian had established ties after meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah. The BJD is not a separate party anymore; it has become part of the BJP," he alleged.
Contradicting these claims, Manmohan Samal, Odisha BJP President, stated, "The PM indicated that some parties are opposing developmental work. Now people can witness what BJP can achieve for them if it comes to power in the state."
What did Patnaik say about PM Modi?
Patnaik shared, "The Honourable Prime Minister has set a new direction for India, and we are on the way to becoming an economic powerhouse. Our goal is to turn Eastern India into a manufacturing hub, and I am certain the Prime Minister will provide all the necessary support to achieve this."
While applauding PM Modi, Patnaik stated, "Today, we proudly host the first World Oriya Language Conference, and it's a privilege to have the lover of Indian languages, Prime Minister Modi, with us in Odisha."
