Naveen Patnaik to raise Polavaram project with Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik would raise the Polavaram multi-purpose project, which the state is opposing, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when during their meeting here soon.

During his week-long stay here, the Chief Minister would also press for the special category status for Odisha and other issues his BJD party had promised in the manifesto during the elections.

"We will raise issues which we mentioned in our manifesto," Patnaik told reporters here, adding that the Polavaram project issue would also be raised.

Odisha has opposed the Polavaram multi-purpose irrigation project as it threatens to submerge about 130-odd villages in the state's Malkangiri district and has moved the Supreme Court.

During his stay, the Chief Minister would also meet some Union Ministers to discuss Odisha-related matters.

This is Patnaik's first trip to the national capital after taking charge as Chief Minister of Odisha for the fourth consecutive term.

He is also scheduled to attend the BJD Parliamentary Party meeting.