Have no interest in national politics, says Naveen Patnaik

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said he has no interest in national politics and he is concentrating on the development of his state.

"My foremost concern is the state and that is what I am concentrating on. I don't want to move Delhi. I have been at Delhi as a central minister. I am very content to be here working for the people of Odisha," he said at a programme here, adding there is a "a great deal of unfinished work" here.

Patnaik also said that there is no need to groom any leader to succeed him in future.

"The people in Odisha will choose their own leader at the appropriate time," he said.

He also denied the possibility of any alliance with Congress in the state.

"There is no question of alliance with the Congress party. In fact, our policy is to remain equidistance from Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress," said Patnaik.

On the industry sector, he blamed the Central government for the Posco embargo.

"There have been several failures like Posco, which is the biggest FDI in the country. This happened because of the central government changed its policies of giving mines. Otherwise, several other projects have come up and they are doing well," said the Chief Minister.

Patnaik said his government may move court to on Mahanadi water sharing dispute as the projects being constructed by Chhattisgarh government would affect the water flowing to Hirakud reservoir.

Reiterating that his government has carried out various developmental works including women empowerment, he said: "The state's image has changed. Starvation is a story of the past."

He, however, maintained that proactive steps are being taken by the government regarding all round development of the state.

--IANS

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