A massive controversy erupted on Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to form a special committee to investigate the reasons behind the reportedly “deteriorating health” of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who instead insisted that he was in perfect health.
Addressing a public meeting in Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha constituency, Mr. Modi said, “Nowadays, all well-wishers of Mr. Patnaik are deeply concerned. They are worried by how sharply Odisha CM’s health has deteriorated over the past year. Whenever people close to him meet me, they often discuss his health.”
“They report that Mr. Patnaik is now unable to perform his own functions. Additionally, they express concerns that a conspiracy might be behind the sudden decline in his health,” the PM remarked.
“Questions arise regarding whether there is a conspiracy behind Mr. Patnaik’s deteriorating health. The people of Odisha have a right to know the truth. Is the powerful lobby operating behind the scenes in Naveen Babu’s name responsible for this situation?” Mr. Modi asked.
Also Read: India General Elections 2024 updates - May 29
“The mystery must be resolved. To uncover the truth, an investigation is essential. After June 10, when the BJP takes power, our government will establish a special committee to determine the reasons behind the sudden deterioration in the health of the Odisha CM,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Patnaik told reporters, “I understand that the PM, in a public meeting, has stated that I am in poor health and he wants to institute an inquiry to inquire this matter. If he was so concerned about my health and he had stated publicly that I am his good friend, then all he had to do was pick up a telephone and ring me up and ask me about my health.”
“I understand a number of people in BJP from Odisha and New Delhi have been spreading rumours about my health for the last 10 years. Let me assure the PM that I am in perfect health and I have been campaigning in our state for the last month,” Mr. Patnaik asserted.
“Instead of concerning himself about such rumours, he should concentrate on the revision of coal royalty for our State and special category status for Odisha,” he suggested.
This election campaign in Odisha has become one of the most acrimonious in the State’s history, marked by relentless personal attacks by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) against each other. The Odisha CM and his close aide, V. K. Pandian, have been frequent targets of these aggressive assaults. The BJD had launched equally vehement attacks against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a video message, the Odisha CM made an emotional appeal saying, “It is regrettable that outside leaders are making personal attacks against me, using bitter and abusive language. As you all know, I have never disrespected anyone or spoken badly about others. I am confident that women and young people, in particular, will respond appropriately by casting their votes on June 1.”
“I regard the 4.5 crore Odias as my family and have dedicated myself to serving them. I have stood by them through both good times and challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, and cyclones. I am delighted to see the success of Mission Shakti members. Our youth are advancing with full confidence, and their strength will propel Odisha forward, making it the leading State in the country,” Mr. Patnaik remarked.
During his public meeting, Mr. Modi raised the Lord Jagannath issue alleging, “The BJD government has committed the greatest betrayal against Lord Jagannath. Today, not just Odisha but the entire nation demands to know the whereabouts of the Ratna Bhandar keys. Whose names are listed in the investigation report on the Ratna Bhandar? We will reveal everything that has been suppressed.”
