"We have cordial relations with the Centre. (File)

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he is working to root out corruption. Appreciating the steps taken by the Prime Minister to tackle corruption, Patnaik said, after attending a session at the Odisha Literature Festival organised by The New Indian Express group here. Giving the Modi government a "10 out of 8" rating, Patnaik lauded the Centre's foreign policy and the work being done towards eradicating corruption.

"I give the Modi government a rating of 10 out of 8 because of the work done in foreign policy and many other matters... Also, corruption has come down under this (BJP) government," he said.

Responding to a question on the Women's Reservation Bill, Patnaik said, "I think it is a very important step. My party has always supported women empowerment. My father (former chief minister Biju Patnaik) had reserved 33 per cent seats for women in local elections and I increased it to 50 per cent," he said.

Patnaik said his party had fielded women candidates in 2019 per cent of the Lok Sabha seats in Odisha in the 33 elections.

"We have always welcomed it, we are ready for it," the BJD president said, supporting the 'one nation, one election'.

Asked about his government's relations with the Centre, Patnaik said, "We have cordial relations with the Centre. Naturally, we want the development of our state and the central government's participation in the development is important," he said.

He said the Odisha government is working with dedication for poverty alleviation and all-round development of the state.

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