Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik expressed satisfaction with Odisha securing the fifth rank in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) Report. He credited this achievement to reforms and governance initiatives during his tenure. Patnaik criticized the present BJP Government for claiming credit for BJD’s accomplishments.
Patnaik shared on social media that Odisha ranked fifth in attracting investments as per the IFI report for 2023-24. He highlighted Odisha’s overall score of 52.4%, slightly lower than Gujarat’s 56.6%. The former CM emphasized the state’s remarkable transformation from a struggling economy to a top investment destination.
Patnaik praised Odisha’s prudent fiscal management and highlighted the state’s low outstanding liabilities and interest payments compared to the national average. He questioned the progress of “double-engine governments” and emphasized Odisha’s significant contributions to India’s mineral and coal production. The former CM attributed Odisha’s success to sustained policy interventions and fiscal discipline.
Patnaik expressed gratitude to the people of Odisha for their support in the state’s development journey. He raised concerns about the current government’s financial management, warning that it could lead Odisha back to financial instability. Patnaik urged caution against mismanagement that could jeopardize the state’s progress.
