Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday in a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sought a personal meeting with the latter at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to discuss various investment opportunities for the State.
Expressing his anguish on the CMO for not acknowledging his letters, Pradhan stated, “I have been writing to the State Government on various issues, including food processing and investment in Gulf countries, but the CMO does not respond to the letters. There are plenty of opportunities to export food items, processed food and seafood to the United Arab Emirates from Odisha.”
Pradhan also alleged that the CM did not allow Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi to meet him for a discussion on investments in Odisha. He urged that instead of pretending to be busy with party affairs, the CM should allow him a chance to meet and apprise him of investment opportunities for the State.
He also alleged that CMO officials used terms like Bihari, post peon and other derogatory words. But instead of personal dignity, Odisha’s progress for the upcoming generation is more important for him, he said.
“Instead of throwing my letter into the dustbin, give me an opportunity to meet you at your office as I want to apprise you of my efforts for participation of overseas investors in Make in Odisha conclave to be held this year,” Pradhan stated.