Barely three months after Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) held a massive rally in Delhi, demanding a ‘Special Category State Status’ for Bihar, Odisha CM and BJD President Naveen Patnaik held a similar ‘Swabhiman Samabesh’ at the Ramlila Maidan to make his presence felt in national politics. Naveen asked the Centre to accord the special status on Odisha, saying the state deserves to get its dues. The BJD cadres thronged to Delhi in large numbers to extend their support to Naveen.
Naveen Patnaik talked about the apathetic attitude of the successive governments at the Centre towards Odisha and said the time has now come for a ultimate battle. “The people of Odisha feel neglected and dejected. They are not begging before anyone. They just want what they deserve. And, the bigger parties that lead the governments at the Centre, cannot ignore their claims anymore” he said. Naveen also accused the Congress of playing politics over Odisha’s genuine demand.
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“History says that Lord Jagannath himself participated in ‘Kanchi Abhiyaan’ to protect the pride of Odias. Today, we have come to Delhi with the demand of four crore Odia people, which the Centre cannot ignore,” he further added.
At least 7 trains were booked from various places of Odisha to Delhi to carry 15,000 people for the grand rally. 200 buses were booked in Delhi for the convenience of the people who visited Ramlila Maidan. The workers and cadres were given full accommodation and food in 22 dharmsalas. All Ministers (except two), MLAs, MPs and top BJD leaders attended the rally to express their solidarity with Naveen Patnaik, who was already armed with the signature of 1.5 crore people in Odisha.
After the rally, Naveen Patnaik along with a delegation of 30 leaders, will meet President Pranab Mukherjee and submit a memorandum to him, raising his demand for a Special Category State status for Odisha.
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