The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Odisha): Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), voiced his disapproval on Thursday regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s references to his health during recent election rallies. Patnaik labeled these comments as an unfortunate attempt to solicit votes and suggested a more personal approach would have been appropriate.
“It is unfortunate that he (Modi) said this to get votes. He says he is a good friend of mine, couldn’t he have telephoned me? Instead, he is saying this in election meetings to get votes,” Patnaik remarked during an interview with PTI Videos. This statement came after Modi mentioned Patnaik’s health issues at public gatherings, sparking controversy over the use of such personal matters in political campaigning.
V K Pandian, a close aide to Patnaik and a prominent BJD leader, also weighed in, criticizing the BJP’s tactics of spreading rumors about Patnaik’s health as a desperate move to gain electoral advantage. According to Pandian, these actions show the BJP as appearing “very weak” to the people of Odisha and the broader Indian electorate.
Pandian highlighted the calm and peace-loving nature of Odisha’s populace, hinting that the voters will respond appropriately to the BJP’s strategies in the upcoming final phase of the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls on June 1.