Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has maintained a nuanced stance regarding extending support to the BJP post Lok Sabha elections. Despite the recent electoral exchanges between BJP and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Patnaik refrains from revealing a definitive position, emphasizing a need for judgment and appropriate action when required.
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- Patnaik emphasizes a non-acrimonious approach in public life, indicating a willingness to evaluate support when necessary.
- The CM refrains from ruling out issue-based support to BJP or the NDA at the Centre in future scenarios, opting to let circumstances dictate the course of action.
- Regarding the depth of fissures between BJP and BJD, Patnaik adopts a wait-and-watch approach, suggesting that future events will determine the trajectory of their relationship.
- Expressing confidence in BJD’s electoral prospects, Patnaik anticipates a solid government formation in the state and a substantial majority in Parliament.
- Patnaik hopes to serve a full term if BJD secures victory, signaling his intention to continue as Chief Minister for the next five years.
- Dismissing concerns raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his health, Patnaik asserts his well-being and questions the manner in which Modi addressed the issue publicly.
- Patnaik, aged 77, has been the Chief Minister of Odisha since 2000, making him the second-longest-serving CM in Indian history.
- The ongoing Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha are scheduled in four phases, from May 13 to June 1, with vote counting set for June 4.
- In the previous assembly elections (2019), BJD secured a significant victory, winning 112 out of 146 seats, while BJP and Congress trailed behind with 23 and 9 seats, respectively.
- In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJD emerged victorious with 12 seats, followed closely by BJP with 8 seats, and Congress with only one seat.
