Odisha BJP Asks Naveen Patnaik To Retire If Unable To Run Govt; BJD Reacts

Bhubaneswar: Mounting a blistering attack on Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, BJP leader Debasish Nayak on Wednesday asked him to take retirement if he is unable to run the government.

Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, the former Minister said that the 2024 elections in Odisha will definitely be decisive as the state will witness a political change this time.

Noting that people of the state have respect for Naveen, Nayak said the CM should not hand over the trust of the Odia community to another person. “If you (Naveen) are not able to manage, the time has come for you to take retirement,” the BJP leader said

Coming down heavily on BJD leader and former bureaucrat V K Pandian for his appeal to people to vote in the name of Naveen Patnaik, he claimed that Ministers and elected representatives have become non-entities during the BJD rule.

Nayak further claimed that the gates of Naveen Niwas, CM’s residence, are now open as it is election time and it will again close after the nominations are over.

Regarding the upcoming elections, Nayak claimed that BJP has the potential to win all the 21 Lok Sabha seats and there will be a double-engine government in Odisha.

He further claimed that BJD was keen to enter into an alliance with the BJP as it is very much aware of its miserable condition in the state.

Reacting to the BJP leader’s remark, BJD spokesperson Tumbanath Panda said Nayak said whatever script was given to him. If he is denied ticket for the coming polls, Nayak will also not hesitate to abuse Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, he said

Panda further said  Nayak has not done anything for the people as he looked after his own interests and BJD does not need his certificate.