Odisha’s Pride and Self-Respect Under Threat: PM Modi

New Delhi, April 30: In a veiled attack on the ruling BJD Government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Odisha’s pride, self-respect and language have come under threat, appealing to the people in the State to vote for BJP for growth and prosperity.

In an interaction with CNBC Awaaz, the PM appeared to target the Naveen Patnaik Government which has been in power for more than 24 years, regretting the lack of growth and development in the State and hinting towards a big contest with the BJD in the State both in the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls.

Without naming the party, Modi said that the people's basic aspirations haven’t been met. Elections in Odisha will be held in four phases from May 13 to June 1.

“Odisha, with abundant natural resources, could have become the richest state in the country. But see where it is today. People have basic aspirations for the State and I think we should be allowed to serve the people and bring glory to the State,” the PM said.

His comments came to a poser about Odisha and in light of the pre-poll alliance between BJP and BJD failed to materialize.  

The PM also sought to play down the support of the BJD to the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre over the years, saying other parties have as well extended issue-based support to the Centre.

“BJD had provided us with issue-based support at the Centre. And several parties have offered us issue-based support,” he said ahead of his campaign in Odisha.