Naveen returns from Delhi, opposes Divestment of NALCO

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik returned from New Delhi this morning after spending nearly a week in the national capital. Upon his return, Naveen told the reporters that he and his government will oppose any move of divestment of NALCO, as it has been making profits for long.

At present, the Centre holds 87.15% stake in NALCO, which has plants in Odisha’s Damanjodi and Angul. According to some reports, the centre has shortlisted 13 PSUs, including NALCO, for divestment this fiscal.

The BJD supremo also denied reports in a section of media that there will be a Cabinet reshuffle soon. He neither confirmed nor ruled out any such move, but said no such decisions has been taken so far.

Regarding a question over the abduction of seven people by the naxals in Mathili block of Malkangiri district, the CM said that police is making all efforts to trace them and secure their release. During his Delhi visit, Naveen Patnaik had fruitful meetings with Communications & IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.