Orissa CM calls for economic freedom

Bhubaneswar, Aug 15 (UNI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today called for an overall development of villages and infrastructure to fulfill the dream of Mahatma Gandhi.

After unfurling the national tricolour at a state level parade here on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Day, Mr Patnaik said, '' We could attain political freedom only after achieving economic freedom.'' The Chief Minister added that development should reach the poor people in the villages and emphasis should be laid on ensuring development of agriculture and infrastructure to attain the goal of economic freedom.

Mr Patnaik confined his speech to the contribution of the great leaders towards the country's freedom struggle only as the State Election Commissioner had cautioned that no announcement could be made by any political leaders on the Independence Day.

It was a part of the model code of conduct, which had already been enforced for the September 19 elections in the urban bodies in Orissa.

Elaborate security arrangements were made in the state capital with the deployment of nearly 25 platoons of forces including the paramilitary contingent, for a peaceful celebration of the Independence Day.

UNI DP SB SS1128