Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday asserted that the people of the state were poised to etch a new chapter in the annals of the nation’s political history.
Expressing his sheer confidence in Odisha’s promising future, the chief minister outlined his vision during the final cabinet session of his fifth term, in a prelude to the impending announcement of election schedules for the Assembly and Lok Sabha.
Polling will be held in Odisha in four phases — on May 13, 20, 25 and June 1.
Naveen said: “The next 10 years will be decisive for Odisha’s future. We will herald an empowered Odisha — modern, dynamic and responsive — primarily for our youth …. Also for our women and children, entrepreneurs, farmers and tribals.”
“We will usher in an Odisha with secure roots and powerful wings. With all your blessings, the juggernaut rolls on,” he said.
The cabinet, convening for the last time under his current tenure, greenlit several proposals, including the construction of a high-level bridge over the Mahanadi in Cuttack’s Salepur block.
Naveen, eyeing an unprecedented sixth consecutive term, reflected on Odisha’s resurgence from the aftermath of the devastating super cyclone in 1999, emphasising his commitment to uplift Odisha’s 4.5 crore residents.
He underscored Odisha’s transformation into a progressive model across various domains, attributing its success to the enduring legacy of Bijubabu’s vision.
Naveen hailed his fifth term as a cornerstone in Odisha’s journey towards prosperity and highlighted the marked improvements witnessed statewide.
Additionally, he lauded Odisha’s remarkable strides in combating multidimensional poverty and commended its fiscal prudence amidst the robust implementation of people-centric initiatives.
Addressing women’s empowerment, Naveen extolled the achievements of Mission Shakti members, lauding their transition from self-help groups to small and medium enterprises.
The chief minister accentuated Odisha’s ambitious healthcare schemes, youth empowerment initiatives and its burgeoning potential in steel and aluminium
production.
Naveen also underscored Odisha’s cultural heritage, emphasising its intrinsic link with the revered Jagannath culture, language and heritage, noting the completion of heritage projects surrounding the historic Puri Shree Jagannath temple.
