Vajpayeeji's time was a time of mutual respect and understanding, irrespective of how small or big a party you are. In fact, Vajpayeeji's handling of a coalition is something of a benchmark in world politics.
As far as natural calamities are concerned, Odisha had a very bad reputation before 2000 when we took over the government. After that, we have achieved international standards as far as controlling the effects of natural calamities. In fact, even the United Nations have complimented us on this.
Odisha faces natural calamities almost every year. The assistance we get from the Centre is mostly for temporary restoration of infrastructure. We have to spend a lot from state's own funds to work for the long-term. This puts too much stress on our finances. Precisely for this reason, Odisha should be considered for special category status.
I believe in constructive cooperation from the central government for any development and welfare schemes for Odisha. I want to work in cooperation with them for the development of the state.
I want to clarify that as far as the Mahagathbandhan is concerned, the Biju Janata Dal is not a part of it.
I was never in politics before I contested the Lok Sabha by-elections after my father's death.
In the past, due to faulty economic policies like freight equalisation, resource-rich states like Odisha have suffered from the discriminatory policies of the Centre.
Federalism is an intrinsic part of our constitutional set-up.
My father did not groom us for politics. I took the plunge because I wanted to carry on his work in his constituency.
Millets are an integral part of tribal life and a staple diet of tribals of Odisha since time immemorial.
I may be inexperienced, but at least I come with a clean heart and a clean slate.
Dhamra Port is a model of modern maritime trade in Odisha and a successful example of public-private partnership.
International carriers need to be given greater role in our skies on all routes like several other large countries to make our aviation industry more efficient and competitive and prevent arbitrary pricing by monopolies.
My father was against nepotism.
I can tolerate anything but corruption and nepotism.
I think it is commonplace for parties to change candidates and reshuffle ministries to bring in new faces.
During the launch of the 'Ama Gaon, Ama Bikash' scheme, I directly spoke to women representatives from the interior villages of Sambalpur and Narayanpatna. From the way the women explained the issues pertaining to their villages and their collective needs, I understood that women empowerment has reached even the grassroots of the democratic setup.
I am happy to announce that to provide remunerative price to millets-growing farmers and to improve the nutritional security, state government will procure millets and utilize them in government schemes.
To empower the women in rural areas, we have started something called Mission Shakti.
History will remember the UPA-II government for its numerous scandals, scams, and corruption, probably the maximum number ever.
