“Even though Odisha has been demanding for a special State status category for past 15 years, it cannot be materialized due to lack of political will power and weak leadership”, Mohapatra said.
Addressing the newsmen at a press conference here on Monday, Mohapatra said the State government only demanded for such status in only pen and paper without taking any special action for the purpose. He appealed all MLAs to act united for fulfillment of the demand. A collective voice of the people of Odisha should reach Delhi in this regard, he said.
On the other hand, BJD has replied on the matter. Echoing similar voice, Information and Public Relations minister Arun Kumar Sahoo said cutting across party lines, all should put forth the demand before the Central government.