Naveen Patnaik Denies Claims About Former Aide VK Pandian Helping BJP in Odisha
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has denied a news report that claimed his former aide VK Pandian offered to help the BJP improve its support base in the state. Patnaik called the report ‘false, motivated, and defamatory’ and praised Pandian for his dedication to the state and party.
Pandian, who was a bureaucrat before becoming a politician, withdrew from active politics in June following the Biju Janata Dal’s poor performance in the assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha. He had pledged to keep Odisha in his heart and ‘Guru Naveen Babu’ in his breath.
During the campaign for the assembly polls, Pandian had said he would quit politics if Naveen Patnaik did not become the chief minister for a sixth successive term. The BJP made history by winning its first assembly election in Odisha, securing 78 of 147 seats, while the Biju Janata Dal won 51 seats. The BJP also won 20 of 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with the BJD failing to win any seats.
Patnaik has also been unanimously elected as the chairperson of the BJD’s parliamentary party.
Doubts Revealed
Naveen Patnaik -: Naveen Patnaik is a politician from Odisha, a state in India. He has been the Chief Minister of Odisha for many years.
VK Pandian -: VK Pandian is a former aide to Naveen Patnaik. An aide is someone who helps and supports a leader or important person.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Odisha -: Odisha is a state on the eastern coast of India. It is known for its rich culture and history.
Defamatory -: Defamatory means something that is false and harms someone’s reputation. It is like saying bad things about someone that are not true.
Biju Janata Dal -: Biju Janata Dal, or BJD, is a regional political party in Odisha. It was founded by Naveen Patnaik.
Lok Sabha -: Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s Parliament. Members of Lok Sabha are elected by the people to make laws and decisions for the country.
