May 28th 2024.
In Bhubaneswar, the BJP brought up a video of BJD leader Kartik Pandian adjusting Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's shaking left hand during a campaign speech, to restate their claim that the former IAS officer was "manipulating" the BJD president. This has been a consistent narrative from the BJP during the current elections, but both Patnaik and Pandian have repeatedly denied these allegations.
As BJP leaders, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, continued to attack the BJD, Patnaik responded by defending himself. Sarma claimed that Pandian, who is originally from Tamil Nadu, was even controlling Patnaik's hand movements. In response, Patnaik stated that the BJP is known for making a big deal out of small issues and that their focus on his hand movements will not affect him.
Pandian is known to be close to Patnaik, who is also the president of the ruling BJD. Sarma's comments about Pandian being an outsider in Odisha's politics have been met with a strong reaction from the BJD. In a video message, Patnaik expressed his disappointment with the BJP for spreading lies about his health and called for a graceful farewell to the veteran politician Amit Malviya, the BJP's IT cell head, also stated that it is time for Patnaik to retire due to his age and health issues.
However, Patnaik has vehemently denied these claims and assured the people that he is in good health. He has been actively campaigning for the past month and has been all over the state. Pandian has also criticized the BJP's statements, labeling them as unfortunate and below the belt.
The BJP's continuous attacks on Patnaik's health and age have been met with resistance from the BJD and Patnaik himself. The ongoing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha have been highly contentious, with the BJP promising to bring a young Odia-speaking leader as the CM if they are voted to power. However, Patnaik remains confident and has called out the BJP for their constant attempts to spread false information about his health. The final phase of the elections will be held on June 1, and the results will be announced on June 4.
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