Naveen tells newly elected BJD MPs to demand for special

Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik Sunday asked the newly elected Lok Sabha MPs of the party to forcefully push for the demand for special category status for the state.

"He (Patnaik) impressed upon the need to raise the demand for special category state status for Odisha, which is vulnerable to natural calamities," said Chandra Sekhar Sahu, who was elected from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat.

Sahu, a former Union Minister, was speaking to reporters after Patnaik held a meeting with the 12 newly elected BJD MPs here to discuss the strategies to be adopted by the party and the issues to be raised in Parliament.

Stating that the party MPs would press for three major demands, he said the BJD president emphasised the need for securing special category status for Odisha which would ensure speedy and balanced development of the state.

Noting that the BJD has been demanding special category status for Odisha for the last several years, Sahu said it will play a significant role in boosting the state's economy and elevating the status of the poor and downtrodden.

As Odisha with a long coastline is prone to frequent natural calamities, the chief minister also stressed the need for getting adequate funds from the Centre for disaster management and preparedness, he said.

In addition, the chief minister was of the view that the BJD MPs should press for 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, Sahu said adding "he (Patnaik) asked us to be sincere and work hard to make the BJD's presence felt."