Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reiterated his government’s commitment for a free and fair probe into the Kunduli gang rape and suicide that has become a major controversy.
“The government always wants free and fair probe because of which we had urged the Orissa High Court to monitor the probe by the special investigation team (SIT). We want justice at the earliest in this important matter,” Patnaik told mediapersons after returning from New Delhi.
On a query whether he is planning to forge a political alliance following speculations triggered by his meeting with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi, the chief minister said the regional party will remain equidistance from BJP and Congress.
Patnaik said he met the PM to present a copy of the recently released photo biography of Biju Patnaik.
Ruling out any possibility of joining national politics, Patnaik stated, “BJD is concentrating on doing good works in Odisha.”
Regarding rumours of Opposition leader Narasingha Mishra joining BJD like Bhupinder Singh, he rubbished the talks and said the discussion was for five minutes before the Hockey India function and was all about the event.
On being asked about lack of proper utilisation of central funds, he said, “Every effort is made to utilise the funds provided by Centre.”