BJP, Congress against special category status to Odisha: BJD

Bhubaneswar: While politics over special category state status to Odisha continues, BJD MP Kalikesh Singh Deo today reiterated that the party will intensify its demand to get the status for the State even though BJP and Congress are against it.

Speaking to OTV, Singh Deo said, "We know BJP doesn't want Odisha to get the special status. A few days back, Congress party also denied. Our discussions on the matter are on."

BJD has been demanding special category status for Odisha and will continue to do so, the MP added.

"As the financial position of the State has not improved yet, Congress will also raise the demand for special category status for Odisha," said senior Congress leader, Chiranjeev Biswal.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmenra Pradhan said that special category state status for Odisha is not possible.

"We are not against the demand for the status to Odisha. But the finance commission has clearly said that the States which are receiving more funds under 14th Finance Commission as compared to the last one will not be granted special category state status," he clarified.