BJP Responds To Naveen’s ‘Thank You’ With A Thumbs-Up On Law & Order During Polls

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Softening his stand towards the BJD-led Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha, BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday showered praises on the state government for maintaining excellent law and order situation during polling and election rallies.

Shah made the remarks in New Delhi while drawing a comparison between Odisha and neighbouring Bengal, which has witnessed poll violence. He also blamed Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool for violence, arson and vandalism at his roadshow in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The change in stand of the BJP chief, who had launched a furious tirade against Naveen, accusing him of shielding culprits of chit fund and mining scams, added fuel to speculation about a possible post-poll tie-up between the BJP and the BJD. It had begun with Naveen’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, thanking the Centre for the support rendered to the state in the aftermath of cyclone Fani.

Modi too had earlier praised Naveen for effectively handling cyclone Fani, which hit the Odisha coast on May 3.