Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: The chief ministers of Odisha and Tamil Nadu met on Friday amidst talks of a third front but both of them refused to divulge anything on the same. Nonetheless, both of them did profess an emotional connect with each other.
Addressing a brief joint press conference, Jayalalithaa and Naveen Patnaik kept details about the talks which ensued between them close to their chest and only said that there was ‘a natural synergy’ between the two of them.
‘There was a natural synergy between former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik and me. The bond is reflected in my relationship with Naveen Patnaik and me. Bjiu Patnaik was like my father and Naveenji is like my brother”, Tamil Nady CM said on an emotional note.
On his part the Odisha CM echoed the same emotions saying that there had been a long- standing family friendship between him and Jayalalithaa. “Jayalalithaa was like a daughter to my late father and hence she is like my younger sister,” he said.
Both CMs kept the talk of a third front in the pipeline at bay saying that they had just ‘exchanged pleasantries’. They also did not reveal much on the candidate for next President. “No decision has been taken on the Presidential polls,’ Jayalalithaa said.
The meeting between Jayalalithaa and Patnaik also gains
importance with speculations rife about a possible non-UPA, non-NDA combine emerging as a third alternative before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
"In the present system of multi-level governance, operating within a federal structure like that of India, harmonious relations with other states are indispensable," Jayalalithaa said after laying the foundation stone for Odisha Bhavan, to be constructed on a 12,000 sq ft land in the city.
Jayalalithaa said there was a definite and very high level of inter-dependency among the States wherein they needed to "act together and prosper together".
Noting that there was a need to establish a "growth transmitting linkage" between Tamil Nadu and Odisha, Jayalalithaa said, "I am sure both States will emerge as partners in all spheres of development".
Referring to the land allotted in Velachery for the construction of the Odisha Bhavan, she assured her government's support and expressed hope that it would be constructed soon.
Patnaik said his government would provide necessary funds for the construction of the Bhavan. "The Bhavan once completed will fulfill the long felt demand of people from Odisha".
With PTI inputs
First Published: Friday, May 11, 2012, 11:08