Will you join NDA post-polls? Naveen Patnaik gives a cryptic reply

With the BJP launching a blistering attack on once-ally BJD and its satrap Naveen Patnaik during the poll campaign this time, the Odisha chief minister has given a cryptic answer when asked if he would form a post-poll alliance with the saffron party.

The BJP during its poll campaigning in Odisha for the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls has been merciless in its criticism of Patnaik and his aide and former bureaucrat, VK Pandian. The BJP alleges that the BJD chief cannot make independent decisions anymore due to his failing health and that his and the government’s strings are being pulled by Pandian who has been seen at the forefront of election campaigns this year.

‘Will judge appropriate position when needed’

Stating that the barbs have never come from his side, Patnaik, when asked if he is open to an alliance with the BJP, said his party would weigh in options when it needs support.

“I have never shown acrimony to anyone in public life. When support is required, we will judge our appropriate position,” the BJD chief said in an interview with ANI on Thursday (May 30).

BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during poll rallies in Odisha have raked up the “outsider” narrative to show how Patnaik was backing a Tamil who has no roots in Odia culture, and that only the saffron party can bring a “son of the soil” to the helm of affairs. BJP leaders have also accused Pandian of using the illness of Patnaik to “hijack” the government.

Pandian not my successor: Patnaik

Putting to rest all speculations about his relationship with Pandian, Patnaik in the interview also clarified that the Tamil bureaucrat is not his successor and that only the people of Odisha can choose the next chief minister.

“He is not my successor. I can’t understand these exaggerations. He is not standing for this election. I see all of these as exaggerations and falsehood,” Patnaik said.

“I have said the people of the state will decide the succession. This is the natural result of these things,” he added.

The BJD leader also dismissed allegations that Pandian was being given preferential treatment in the party and was placed above senior party leaders.

Also rubbishing speculations that he is dependent on others for party decisions, Patnaik said he continues to make every single decision of the party and has chaired all cabinet meetings so far.

He also expressed confidence that his party will win the elections for the sixth consecutive time and secure a handsome majority in Parliament.

Swipe at ‘good friend’ Modi

Taking a dig at Modi over his recent statement that he will form a special committee to probe the reasons behind Patnaik’s allegedly deteriorating health, the BJD chief said the prime minister, who claims of being his “good friend” could have simply posed the question to him instead of relaying it to the public.

“The prime minister has recently said I am a good friend of his. Wasn’t it his duty to dismiss rumours by simply picking up the telephone and asking me directly, rather than announcing it in a public political meeting to garner votes?” he said.