Addressing a public rally in Balasore, Union Minister Smriti Irani hit out at the Odisha government on May 26 and said that the state government is being run by remote control. She also said that she urges the people of Odisha to vote for the BJP for the upliftment of the state. While addressing the rally, Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "This is a misfortune of the state, which has natural resources and gave morals and culture to the world. Today, that state government is being run by remote control. I have come here to urge the people to vote for the BJP for the welfare and upliftment of Odisha. This region has no new provisions for the employment of youth, nor is there any provision to promote industry. If Naveen Patnaik is focused on anything, it is on the increase in business among the South Indian people. He is not worried about the youth of Odisha.