Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, who is on a three-day visit to Delhi, arrived at Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
Besides interacting with his party MPs at the BJD parliamentary office, he is also scheduled to visit the central hall to meet some Union ministers to discuss pending issues related to the state’s interests.
Naveen had earlier told the media that he will visit Parliament to follow up on various issues pertaining to Odisha pending with the Centre. There has been speculation that the BJD might push for the formation of Vidhan Parishad in the state in the ongoing session of Parliament.
Also Read: Will Naveen Push For Vidhan Parishad In Odisha During Delhi Trip?
Naveen’s visit to the national capital also assumes significance in view of the forthcoming presidential election, due in July. The Modi government is now at least 1.2 per cent (roughly 13,000 votes) away from the majority mark for its candidate to sail through due to BJP’s reduced majority in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand legislative assemblies.
The BJD with 112 MLAs and 12 MPs has about 3 per cent of the total vote value of about 1,093,347, and can play a crucial role to fill the gap.
Also Read: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik To Visit Delhi; Is July Presidential Election The Reason?
The tenure of President Ram Nath Kovind ends on July 24.
After reaching Delhi on Monday, Naveen had attended a sports award function and felicitated the women’s hockey team on the occasion. He also highlighted his government’s efforts in promoting sports.
Notably, Odisha is the sponsor of national men’s and women’s hockey teams till 2033.
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