Bhubaneswar: Odisha Leader of the Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president, Naveen Patnaik, on Tuesday urged both the state and central governments to take immediate steps to ensure the safe return of Odia citizens stranded in the Middle East.
“I understand that there are lakhs of Odia people stranded in Middle Eastern countries. I request the governments of Odisha and India to take immediate steps to ensure they return to their homes in India. Thank you,” Patnaik said while speaking to the media outside the Assembly.
Patnaik’s appeal comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran, which began on February 28. The conflict entered its 11th day on Tuesday, causing concern for Indian expatriates in the region.
