After Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed concern over Cyclone Remal’s impact on Assam, his counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma insisted that there is no ego in accepting help from Odisha.
Speaking to reporters, CM Himanta assured that the damage caused by Cyclone Remal is under control but stated that he would not hesitate to seek assistance from Odisha if needed. “The situation is manageable for now. If it worsens, I will call CM Naveen for help. There’s no prestige issue in asking for assistance,” he said.
Himanta Sarma mentioned his prior attempts to assist Odisha following the triple train tragedy in the State. However, the talk couldn’t take place as Naveen Patnaik wasn’t available. “I wrote to CM Patnaik’s office because I couldn’t reach him directly. My chief secretary also communicated with them, offering every kind of assistance from the Assam government,” he explained.
Highlighting the shared heritage between the regions, CM Himanta noted, “We are eastern Indians with much in common. The languages of Odisha and Assam are almost 60 per cent similar. When Odisha needs us, Assam will be there, and I hope that when Assam needs help, Odisha will be there too.”
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma made these comments during an election rally in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, on May 28. This followed an expression of concern by CM Naveen Patnaik on social media, where Patnaik offered all possible assistance to Assam in light of the cyclone’s impact.
