Naveen not dependent on Centre in any manner

Bhubaneswar, July 10 (Surjit Dhal)

A perception was tried to be created by a section of the media in Odisha was that the support to NDA presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu by the ruling BJD was ‘conditional’. But it is not so as the State is a performing one. Biju Janata Dal Government in Odisha is not dependent on the Centre for ‘favours’ as it deserves a lot already. The media, to say detractors of the State Government, has been trying to project that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik set some conditions with the NDA to ensure the success of its candidate. Panelists in Television debates tried to say that the BJD government is wary of the Centre and its agencies due to the involvement of some of its leaders in controversies. But it is something that no sensible man in Odisha would like to buy.

It is a fact that some BIju Janata Dal leaders were embroiled in the much discussed chit fund scandal. But Naveen has ensured to keep them at bay from party’s politics and ensured unblemished record for his party and government. There has been no major scandal in the State, unlike in West Bengal, to threaten the Government or tarnish its image in any manner. Hence Naveen has nothing to fear.

Naveen has been the Chief Minister for over 23 years in a row in State. His party has been improving its tally in every election proving the popularity of the Chief Minister. His record as one of the most successful leader and his government has not only earned praise in the country but at international level also. The Chief Minister, what party leaders say, is ‘ruthless’ on corrupt officials or party leaders. He has not failed to act sternly on Pradeep Panigrahi, who is alleged to have indulged in corruption while being the representative of the Chief Minister in his home district and constituency HInjli. Even close relatives of Panigrahi, a senior Indian Forest Service officer, was also shunted out from service on corruption charges. With unblemished record Naveen has nothing to be afraid and the least from the Centre. He has nothing to be wary of.

Naveen’s governance has been termed a model across the country and even the Prime Minister has hailed several of his programmes. Naveen’s policy on mining, women empowerment, farmers empowerment, Mission Shakti, 5T charter, disaster management and food security initiatives and industrialisation have not only been lauded in the country but also in international forum. The credit for the success of these goes to a set of handpicked officials and particularly to his 5T secretary VK Pandian. Pandian like a shadow follows the Chief Minister and ensures that the policies of the Chief Minister are realized in letter and spirit. The State has been bagging national awards on a regular basis and praise from the NITI Aayog for successful implementation of government schemes. The ‘Zero Casualty’ Disaster Management policy of the Odisha Government has been praised even in the United Nations. Hence Naveen is not dependent on the Centre for any favours. Unlike many other Chief Ministers in the country, Naveen follows the ‘No words Act’ policy and naturally the only choice of the people at present.