- By Mayukh Debnath
- Wed, 29 May 2024 04:20 PM (IST)
- Source:ANI
Elections 2024: While exuding confidence in the BJP's victory in the ongoing Assembly election in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday promised that the new state government will constitute a special committee to ascertain the reason behind the "sudden" deterioration of the health of incumbent Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Insinuating a "conspiracy" behind Patnaik's present health status, PM Modi asked if those "enjoying power in Odisha behind the scenes" are responsible.
PM Modi Expresses Concern Over Naveen Patnaik's Health
This comes after a video went viral showing CM Patnaik's close aide and BJD leader VK Pandian grabbling his trembling hand during an election rally. "Over the years, whenever people close to Naveen Babu meet me, they discuss Naveen Babu's health. They tell me that Naveen Babu is no longer able to do anything on his own. People who have been close to Naveen Babu for a long time believe that there could be a conspiracy behind his deteriorating health," PM Modi said while addressing a public gathering in Odisha's Mayurbhanj.
#WATCH | In his address to a public meeting in Odisha's Balasore, PM Narendra Modi says, "...Those who have been with him (Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik) for years say that now Naveen Babu can't do anything by himself. Those people also raise a concern that there might be any… pic.twitter.com/NspR0cR2EK
— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2024
PM Modi Hints At 'Conspiracy'
He further hinted at the possible involvement of a "lobby" in the issue pertaining to Patnaik's health. "The question is, is there any conspiracy behind Naveen Babu's ill health? This is the right of the people of Odisha to know. Is there any involvement of that lobby in this which is enjoying power in Odisha behind the scenes in the name of Naveen Babu? It is important to uncover this mystery."
"Therefore, after the formation of the BJP government in Odisha on June 10, our government will form a special committee and will investigate why Naveen Babu's health is suddenly deteriorating," PM Modi added. The polling for Odisha Assembly election 2024 is being held simultaneously with the ongoing Lok Sabha election. The counting of the votes polled in Odisha for the Assembly election will begin on June 4.
Naveen Patnaik's Counter To BJP's Claims
Odisha CM and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday responded to his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma's claim that he was being controlled by VK Pandian during the rally where the former bureaucrat was seen grabbling the veteran leader's trembling hand. "I believe that the BJP which is known to make non-issues into issues, are discussing my hands. This will sadly not work," the Odisha CM said.
(With inputs from agencies)
