Bhubaneswar: Clearing air about his successor, Odisha Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik on Thursday clarified saying that Pandian is not his successor and Odisha people will decide it.
In an exclusive interview with a national news agency, the BJD Supremo made this statement.
Upon being asked about allegations made by the opposition about whether VK Pandian takes decisions on behalf of Odisha CM, Patnaik responded: “This is ridiculous and I have said it often before, this is an old allegation and it holds no weight.”
When Odisha CM was asked whether Pandian was being put above other BJD party leaders, Patnaik said, “I find all of this quite nonsensical. Party members have a great say, they have high positions, they are ministers, they are the people’s representatives and they hold all powers that they should in democracy.”
Prime Minister has recently made a statement about the formation of a special committee to examine Naveen Patnaik’s deteriorating health conditions if BJP comes to power. Upon being asked about it, Odisha CM stated, “All I have to say is that If PM Modi was so concerned about my health, all he needed was to pick up a telephone and inquire about my health instead of stating it loudly at a public meeting. This means all he is trying to do is garner votes during election time. This rumour has been spread by the people in Delhi for the last 10 years. My health is perfectly alright.”
He further said upon being asked about his health issues raised by the saffron party, “I face no health issues at all. I am in excellent health. I have been campaigning for the last month in a very hot season and I am fine.”
When asked about the viral video showing his key associate assisting him with his shaking hand, Odisha CM said, “It’s no medical condition at all. It has been exaggerated for no reason by a BJP Chief Minister.”
Upon being asked if he would support the saffron party, CM replied “When support is required, we will judge our appropriate position.”
When asked about attending cabinet meetings, the Chief Minister said, “I always chair the cabinet meetings. There is not a single cabinet meeting that I do not chair.”
About the prospects of BJD in the ongoing Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, the Chief Minister said that his party will get a ‘handsome’ figure, form government in Odisha, and win a good number of Lok Sabha seats.
