Patnaik said the papacy of Pope Francis was exemplified by compassion and promotion of interfaith dialogue.
Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly and Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik, on Saturday was elected unopposed to the post of BJD president for the ninth term in a row at the party headquarters here.
Leader of Opposition in Odisha State Legislative Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, filed nomination for the post of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) national president for the ninth consecutive term at Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday came out in strong defence of his former aide VK Pandian, saying that he should not be criticised or blamed for anything related to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Coming out in defence of his former aid, the BJD leader said he shouldn't be criticised or blamed for anything.
Firebrand Congress mla Taraprasad Bahinipati said the BJP and BJD are both anti-farmer. The central government's farm laws have led to widespread protests by farmers over several months, 200 farmers have died and the BJD remained mum lending silent support to the BJP led government at the centre.
Earlier, the BJP mlas had squatted on the road as the gates of the CM's residence were closed. Soon several BJD leaders and Ministers rushed and were seen pleading with folded hands requesting the BJP mlas to enter the residence of the CM.
While lauding the scientific community for developing vaccines at such short notice, the CM said we need to involve the private sector in the vaccination programme.
Due to strict adherence to COVID 19 guidelines, the number of positive cases in Odisha has been contained to below 100 per day. The Chief Minister credited the people at large for the present situation and said even the World Health Organisation had appreciated Odisha's success in dealing with the virus.
The CM said Rs 220 crore mega lift irrigation projects will be completed by the end of this year which will irrigate around 18000 hectares of agricultural land.
