CM Naveen to receive ‘Ideal Chief Minister’ award

Bhubaneswar: After winning the prestigious Outlook Speakout Award-2017 for best administrator in the country, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is all set to be conferred ‘Ideal Chief Minister’ award.

CM Naveen will be presented with the award at an event organised by MIT World Peace University in Pune on January 21.

The institution has reportedly selected Patnaik for the award on the basis of his fight against corruption, revolutionary ideology, quality administration and drive to nurture Odisha into an ideal state.

"Taking into account the overall development in the last 20 years and corruption free governance, MIT University has decided to confer the award on the CM," said BJD MP from Bolangir Kalikesh Singh Deo.

However, both the BJP and the Congress termed the award 'sponsored' and another publicity stunt of the ruling party.

Odisha BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said, "At a time when the people of the State have started rejecting the BJD government for its failure, the CM has started a new trick to divert attention of people by sponsoring different awards for himself.

Similarly, Congress MLA from Talsara, Prafulla Majhi said that Odisha is far behind in comparison to other states in development. "The government is making tall claims of development which are only limited to pen and paper- reality is different," alleged Majhi.