Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 16:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today wrote to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee thanking her for extending her government’s support to Odia Haj pilgrims embarking on their journey from Kolkata.

Pic Courtesy: www.thehindu.com Pic Courtesy: www.thehindu.com

“I am given to understand that under your able leadership, the West Bengal Government has made outstanding arrangements for Haj pilgrims of Odisha at the embarkation point of Kolkata. All the Haj pilgrims of our state have highly appreciated the courtesies extended to them, and excellent arrangements made for their transportation, accommodation, collection of foreign exchange etc by your government,” read Naveen’s letter.

“This is in keeping with the highest traditions of the culture and hospitality of your state and its people, and this deserves accolades. I would like to place on record my deep gratitude for all the outstanding arrangements for our Haj pilgrims, which have been personally supervised by you. I look forward to such co-operation in future,” it added.

Patnaik also thanked the Chairman of West Bengal State Haj Committee Haji Shaikh Nwul Islam and his entire team for the efforts and said that the “efforts will expedite not only the effective mainstreaming of the minorities in our society, but also facilitate the path for co-operative federalism in our country.”

Further, the Chief Minister also appreciated the West Bengal Government for the steps it has taken for the all-round development of the people of West Bengal.