One should do what is good for the country.

I was never in politics before I contested the Lok Sabha by-elections after my father's death.

To empower the women in rural areas, we have started something called Mission Shakti.

The love and affection of the people of Odisha continues to inspire me every day.

Dynastic rule is when you are groomed to succeed. My father never groomed me to take over.

What I want is peaceful industrialisation.

The Union government can do a lot more for poor states like Orissa.

I can tolerate anything but corruption and nepotism.

Democracy should not work on the basis of personalities.

Vajpayeeji's time was a time of mutual respect and understanding, irrespective of how small or big a party you are. In fact, Vajpayeeji's handling of a coalition is something of a benchmark in world politics.

Sometimes the energy of the crowd also catches on to you.

In the past, due to faulty economic policies like freight equalisation, resource-rich states like Odisha have suffered from the discriminatory policies of the Centre.

I don't have a problem with the Centre sanctioning funds to any state. However, when this is done for narrow political considerations, it damages the federal fabric mandated by the Constitution.

The people of Gujarat were always more prosperous than most other states. It is the people of Gujarat who should be given credit for the development of Gujarat.

If you succeed in doing something good for the people, it gives you a great sense of satisfaction.

Personally, I have never considered myself corrupt or seen the need to be so. People are judged as what they are perceived to be.

I think it is commonplace for parties to change candidates and reshuffle ministries to bring in new faces.

I think political parties can be funded in a perfectly rational way without being corrupt.

The people of Orissa had unmatched love and respect for Bijubabu. There is no way that you can wish away his legacy.

The JD, as a party, is dead.

Our government has been pro-poor, progressive, and people-oriented.

For cyclone-proof energy infrastructure, we would definitely explore all possibilities, including international support.

Development of Kendrapada is now my responsibility. I will personally monitor development of the district.

The people of Odisha know who fulfils promises and who does not. We believe in works and not in words.

After 2014, a number of my friends from Delhi rang up very concerned because they thought I was in bad health. But my health has always been good, and I told them so. They told me that this is what Baijayant Panda was spreading. This was a shock.

My sister is not interested in any political positions; not in Rajya Sabha or anything else.

If India is to lead the world, if India is to be an advanced nation like America and China, then women empowerment is the only answer.

I am very grateful to the MLAs for unanimously electing me as the BJD legislature party leader.

I believe in constructive cooperation from the central government for any development and welfare schemes for Odisha. I want to work in cooperation with them for the development of the state.

We always need the support of the Centre.

I want to clarify that as far as the Mahagathbandhan is concerned, the Biju Janata Dal is not a part of it.

I am always with poor and will continue work for protecting their interests.

Where is special category status? Where is women's reservation bill? Where is the farmers' insurance? Why did Odisha not receive any cooperation and help from the Centre?

Rising fuel prices, growing agrarian distress, and unemployment are the three major issues to dominate the 2019 general elections.

Aska is going to create history and show the way to the entire country by sending a member of women SHG to Parliament and four women members to the state assembly.

I have fielded mothers, whose empowerment can bring the real double engine growth.

Centre supports Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in Polavaram and Mahanadi cases. They are sidelining the interests of Odisha.

There is no question of any alliance with the Congress party. The Congress have always neglected the people of Odisha.

My government's pro-women initiatives, starting from Mission Shakti to Mamata, along with 50% reservations for women in the panchayat and urban local body polls have helped empower women in political, social, and economic spheres.

Millets are an integral part of tribal life and a staple diet of tribals of Odisha since time immemorial.

I think what is important is that my work speaks for itself.

My action against corruption has been well acclaimed by the people of Orissa.

I face no problem in communicating with the people of Orissa whom I meet everyday.

My father did not groom us for politics. I took the plunge because I wanted to carry on his work in his constituency.

Orissa is cursed by the two tragic extremes of drought and famine.

My father used to say that you haven't learnt anything about politics unless you've been out of power for at least 10 years. That's why I am certain I am here to stay.

My party will not be with any BJP or Congress-led government.

I come from a secular background.

I don't have time to think about my pre-politics days. I am so very busy.