New Delhi: BJD chief and Chief Minister of Orissa Naveen Patnaik had hold a mega rally in the Capital today demanding special status for his state. Patnaik said that their state has contributed heavily to the national economy and get a pittance in return. We demand for an increase in mineral royalty. His state has been neglected in the past while other states like Bihar, UP and Bengal have benefited because of political reasons.
Naveen Patnaik has gathered a delegation of 30 comprising his ministers, MPs and MLAs who will meet President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday after the rally at Ramlila Ground and submit a petition signed by one crore people from Orissa. This is the BJD’s first such rally in the Centre’s doorsteps. He said, “The Centre can very well take the decision to grant the special status. Our demand is a strong one.”
Patnaik said on his party’s role over the post poll alliance at centre next year, he said, “We would remain equidistant from the BJP and the Congress. A third front formed by the regional parties would be an option,” he said. “The leader of such a front is yet to be decided and the initiative to form such a front would also be taken by the regional parties in due time. We have not been approached by any party for forming such a front yet, although we support it.”
Bureau Report
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