‘BJD against intolerance in any form’, says Naveen

BHUBANESWAR: When the nation is debating over rising intolerance in the country, and many are returning their awards in protest, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday joined the chorus by saying his party is against intolerance in any form.

“Our party (Biju Janata Dal (BJD)) is totally secular against intolerance in any form,” Patnaik told media persons replying to a question whether his party would debate over intolerance issue in Parliament or not.

Ahead of the Parliament session scheduled to begin on Nov 26, the BJD on Saturday held a meeting of party MPs both in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at Naveen Niwas to chalk out strategies.

The meeting was attended by 19 Lok Sabha, 6 Rajya Sabha members of the party. Out of 20 Lok Sabha members, Mayurbhanj MP Ramchandra Hansdah is in jail for his alleged involvement in chit fund scam.

“The party MPs will raise several issues including drought situation in Odisha during the ensuing winter session of the Parliament,” said the BJD president.

He also asked party MPs to demand the early release of financial assistance from the centre to deal with prevalent drought situation.

The party has divided the MPs into different groups to take up several issues related to the state with different ministries of the union government.

“We will play the role of constructive opposition in Parliament. The party would oppose any decision against the interest of the state and support for the interest of the state,” BJD MP Baijayant Panda told reporters here.

Another party MP Tathagat Satpathy said the Narendra Modi government would definitely concede our demands.