‘Fan’ Kamal seeks advice of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Kamal said he met the BJD veteran as a fan and admirer of the latter’s policies.

Lauding Patnaik for delivering good governance, he said the Odisha Chief Minister initially faced criticism for being a newcomer in politics but later achieved more than those who were aware of politics.

Stating that Patnaik’s schemes have been frontrunners in the country, Kamal said he had special appreciation for the disaster management programmes executed by him. 

Asked about the Supreme Court upholding the validity of Aadhaar, Kamal said that any scheme that infringes on the right to privacy of citizens by the government is tantamount to peeping through the window of a house. On the judgement that upheld quota in government job promotions, Kamal said that caste should not be a consideration in promotions and those who merit it must be promoted. 

Kamal also spoke out against the government’s failure to control fuel prices stating that there will be a rise in price of essential commodities if the fuel prices are unchecked. He added that just as the Centre revised GST rates for various items, it should consider a reduction in fuel prices.