Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha, for tackling the Cyclone Fani effectively in the State. "Patnaik ji has done a great job. The people of the State have followed every instruction properly and it's commendable," Modi today said after conducting an aerial survey in Odisha alongside the CM.

This comment is surprising because the BJP and the BJD are engaged in a fierce electoral battle in Odisha. Out of the 21 Lok Sabha seats, the BJP is expected to win 10 seats by some estimates.

The PM has also promised to despatch an additional Rs 1,000 Cr to Odisha for relief work. Last week, the Centre had given Rs 380 Cr to the State.