Bhubaneswar, March 10: BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the State Assembly on Tuesday again urged the State Government for urgent evacuation of stranded Odias amid West Asia tensions.

Taking to X, the former Chief Minister also questioned the silence of the State Government in ensuring safe return of the stranded Odias.

“I can feel the fear and emotions of the lakhs of Odia people who are trapped in the midst of the devastating war in the Middle East. From workers to students, professionals, tourists and travelers, everyone is extremely frightened. Meanwhile, their families and loved ones in Odisha are anxiously waiting for their safe return,” wrote Patnaik.

Highlighting that air travel disruption due to conflict has left many facing serious uncertainty and risk, Patnaik wrote, “At such a difficult time, it is the duty of the Odisha government to bring all Odia people back safely. However, the Government’s lack of urgency and failure to take immediate steps are making their suffering even worse. Why is the Government remaining silent?”

“Where has that hollow rhetoric about “Odia Asmita” gone if the Government cannot stand firmly with the people of Odisha during such a critical time?,” the former CM wrote.

Urging prompt action, Patnaik wrote, “Instead of making big statements, the Odisha Government should immediately take strong measures to safely bring all Odia people back from the war-affected regions. Prompt and timely action will reassure every Odia and help save many lives.”

Lakhs of Odias working in UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries includes migrant workers, professionals, students and tourists. Many migrants belong to districts like Ganjam and Kendrapara and coastal Odisha.