Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, criticized the Odisha government for not acting urgently to rescue Odia people stuck in West Asian countries during the US-Israel-Iran conflict. He expressed worry for the stranded Odias, including laborers, students, professionals, tourists, and travelers, facing the distressing situation in the Middle East. Patnaik emphasized the need for the government to bring back all Odias safely as air routes are closed and borders sealed.
The BJD president questioned the government’s lack of prompt action, highlighting the challenges faced by the stranded Odias. He urged the Odisha government to prioritize the safe return of its citizens from the war zone, criticizing the absence of proactive measures. Patnaik called for swift and decisive steps to ensure the well-being of Odias and prevent further hardships during the crisis.
Patnaik appealed to both the Odisha and Indian governments to facilitate the return of stranded Odias to India. He had previously sought intervention from the External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to expedite the rescue efforts for the affected Odias in conflict areas. Notably, the Odisha government has formed a working group to monitor the safety and well-being of Odia migrant workers, professionals, and tourists in Gulf countries, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts.
Odisha’s Panchayati Raj Minister, Rabinarayan Naik, assured that the government is actively ensuring the safety of stranded Odias in West Asia. Additionally, the government is closely monitoring the availability of essential commodities like LPG and their prices to support the affected individuals.
