Naveen, Dharmendra talk jobs, Odisha’s development

BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik and Union petroleum and steel minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday discussed Centre-state joint initiatives for the state’s progress, particularly Fani restoration work, apart from projects related to the steel and petroleum sectors.
“I had a cordial meeting with Dharmendra Pradhan, Union minister for petroleum and steel, on how we can give further employment, and bring about development and welfare with mutual programmes of the Centre and the state to benefit the people of Odisha.I am hopeful a lot of good things will come out of it,” Naveen said.
To a media query on the perception of his coming closer to the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, Naveen said, “We believe in constructive cooperation with the central government.”
Speaking to reporters separately, Dharmendra said a range of issues were discussed during his courtesy meeting with the chief minister.
“Apart from issues relating to my department, petroleum and steel, loss due to Cyclone Fani, state’s expectation from the Centre on the same and the Union government’s responsibility were discussed,” he said.
To a query on political significance of the meeting, Dharmendra said, “The election has just got over. People have reposed their faith in Prime Minister Modi to govern the country and on Naveen to govern the state. Everything should not be seen and considered politically. Our focus now should be how to serve the 4.5 crore people of Odisha better. I hope the Centre and state together can serve the people of Odisha better,” Dharmendra said.
Dharmendra, meanwhile, handed over a cheque of Rs 3 crore to Naveen, the contribution of Steel Authority of India to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for Fani relief work.