Naveen draws Flak for Embarrassment to Pradip Amat in New Delhi

In a big embarrassment to Odisha Government, Finance Minister Pradip Amat was prevented from attending the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi. He failed to get an entry pass to be part of the important meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as it was meant only for the Chief Ministers. The CM has been criticised from many quarters for not attending such an important meeting, which was in the interest of the state.

The PM had called a meeting all Chief Ministers to discuss the various aspects of Land Acquisition Bill and GST. While Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and CMs from all 9 Congress-ruled states did not attend the meet, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik could not go to New Delhi due to Nabakalebara Rath Yatra preparations.

Naveen had sent Amat as his representative, but it’s not clear whether Amat took prior permission and informed the relevant authorities or not. As the meeting was meant for Chief Ministers only, it could be a reason why representatives were not allowed. It remains a mystery why the CM’s office did not get a confirmation before sending Amat to New Delhi.

The issue has now snowballed into a major controversy, as the Congress has slammed the state government for bringing embarrassment to the state. The BJD has termed it as ‘unfortunate’.