Jharsuguda, Sept. 27 -- Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Odisha on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said that the state was fortunate to have the PM seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath, further stating that the country was fortunate to have the PM driving the double engine.

"Odisha is really fortunate that he took the blessings of Lord Jagannath and became the PM of the country in 2014. After our Government came to power in Odisha, he visited here 7 times in one year...We are fortunate that the PM of the country is himself driving the double engine..." Parida told ANI.

BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda said, "PM views Odisha specially. He has visited underdeveloped areas, like the northeast, more than all the pre...