Bhubaneswar: As the Lok Sabha elections reach their final phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confident that the BJP will retain power at the Centre and also form a government in Odisha, where assembly elections are being held concurrently.

In an interview with ANI, Modi criticized the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in Odisha. He claimed that a group has dominated the state's entire system. "There has been no progress in Odisha for the past 25 years. The biggest concern is that a group has taken over the entire system, holding it hostage. If Odisha can break free from this, it will flourish," PM Modi said.

"Odisha has immense natural resources, yet it is disheartening to see the poverty among its people. Despite being one of the prosperous states in India, Odisha still has a significant number of poor people. The government is responsible for this situation. The people of Odisha deserve their rights and a distinct identity," he added.

The Prime Minister explained the BJP's decision not to ally with the BJD, despite having a good relationship with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Modi said he was prepared to sacrifice this relationship for the welfare of Odisha.

When asked about his relationship with CM Patnaik, PM Modi told ANI that good relations between political leaders are important. "We maintain good relations with leaders of all political parties in India, and in a democracy, we do not harbor enmity. The question is whether I should maintain my relations or focus on the welfare of Odisha. I chose to dedicate myself to Odisha's bright future, and if that requires sacrificing my relations, so be it. After the elections, I will assure everyone that I bear no enmity," he said.

PM Modi further emphasized that on June 10, a BJP Chief Minister will take oath in Odisha. "Odisha's fate is about to change. The government is changing. I have said that the current government's term in Odisha ends on June 4, and on June 10, BJP's Chief Minister will take oath in Odisha," the Prime Minister added.