The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Odisha): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hinted at a possible conspiracy behind the “sudden” deterioration in Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s health. Addressing election rallies in Mayurbhanj and Balasore Lok Sabha seats on Wednesday, Modi promised that if the BJP forms the government in Odisha, it would establish a committee to investigate the reasons behind Patnaik’s health issues.
Modi asserted that India is poised to have a full majority government at the Centre for the third consecutive term after five decades. He expressed concerns over Patnaik’s worsening health over the past year, questioning if a lobby running the Patnaik government on his behalf is responsible. He emphasized the need to uncover the mystery behind Patnaik’s condition, stating that the people of Odisha have the right to know.
In a veiled reference to BJD leader V K Pandian, Modi remarked, “Entire Odisha wants an Odia chief minister.” He suggested that the people of Odisha are ready to end the 25-year rule of the BJD. Modi highlighted the BJP-led government’s achievements, including improving India’s economy from the 11th to the 5th position, combating terrorism, and advancing the country’s missile capabilities and space exploration.
Modi criticized the BJD government, accusing it of looting natural wealth and keeping the state underdeveloped. He urged the people of Odisha not to waste their votes on the BJD, accusing the party of deceiving and exploiting them for 25 years. He also highlighted the BJP’s efforts to support tribal welfare, including declaring Birsa Munda’s birthday as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.’
Modi’s remarks followed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s allegations that Pandian controls Patnaik’s hand movements. Sarma shared a video showing Patnaik’s hand shaking during a speech, with Pandian helping him. Sarma’s post on X claimed, “This is a deeply distressing video. Shri V K Pandian ji is even controlling the hand movements of Shri Naveen babu.”
Pandian, originally from Tamil Nadu, began his career as a Punjab cadre IAS officer before transferring to the Odisha cadre after marrying an Odia woman. The BJP has criticized him as an “outsider” in Odisha politics.
In response to Sarma’s comments, Patnaik released a video message refuting the allegations, stating, “I believe the BJP, known for making non-issues into issues, is discussing my hands. This will certainly not work.” He accused BJP leaders of spreading lies about his health and assured that he is in good health, actively campaigning across the state.
