May 8th 2024.
In a recent meeting with journalists from various television channels in Ganjam district, BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide, Kartik Pandian, made some striking statements about the opposition BJP's intentions in the upcoming elections in Odisha.
Pandian alleged that the BJP's primary aim is not to win the polls, but rather to increase their seat numbers with the ulterior motive of breaking the Biju Janata Dal after the elections. He pointed out that in the 2014 elections, the BJP had set a target of securing 120 Assembly seats, but failed to achieve it. He added that he was unsure of their target for the current 2019 elections, but was aware of their long-term strategy for 2024, which involves winning 50-60 seats and attempting to break the BJD.
Furthermore, Pandian emphasized that the BJP's agenda in Odisha is not to form a government, but rather to implement their internal plan, as seen in other states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. However, he confidently asserted that this strategy will not succeed in Odisha. He mentioned that even though many national leaders from the BJP will be campaigning in the state, the people of Odisha have no trust in them. In contrast, they have immense faith in Naveen Patnaik, who has been their leader for several years.
When asked if he was confident about Patnaik becoming the Chief Minister for the sixth consecutive time, Pandian expressed his strong belief in his victory. He confidently stated that Patnaik will be sworn in as the CM on June 9, with the blessings of Lord Jagannath. He also revealed that the BJP has no candidates in 60 of the 147 Assembly segments in Odisha and is relying on picking up leaders who were rejected by the BJD, a clear indication of their weak presence in the state.
Pandian also criticized Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi for their attempts to hinder the Shree Mandir Parikrama Project. He further addressed the issue of Odia Asmita (pride) raised by the BJP during elections, stating that the central government has not allocated a single rupee for the promotion of the Odia language. He called out the BJP's hypocrisy, as they have eight MPs in the Lok Sabha, but have remained silent while the Centre has provided funds for the promotion of other languages.
In conclusion, Pandian stressed that the BJP's tactics will not work in Odisha, as the people have complete trust in Naveen Patnaik and his leadership. He expressed his confidence in Patnaik's victory in the upcoming elections and dismissed the BJP's attempts to break the BJD as mere wishful thinking.
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