TV
Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha, along with his aide, VK Pandian, was seen at Coimbatore airport in Tamil Nadu on Friday.
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A purported video capturing their arrival, taken by an Odia visitor, has been obtained by the Odisha Television Network (OTV). Reports suggest they travelled from Kerala, inferred from the vehicle’s registration number.
This visit coincides with the ongoing session of the Odisha Assembly, a point noted in political conversations back in Odisha due to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo’s absence. Speculations had earlier arisen surrounding Patnaik's trip to Delhi for unspecified business.
However, the exact reason for their visit to Coimbatore remains undisclosed.
Do the BJD leaders have any answer?
In response to queries regarding the visit, a BJD legislator, Manohar Randhari, reassured journalists by reiterating, “Naveen has gone on a personal trip and will return soon.”
“Naveen Babu used to go outside at times for his personal work, such as health check-ups and others. I cannot clarify as to why he has gone,” the BJD MLA expressed.
No comments were received from either Naveen Patnaik or VK Pandian in this regard.
Worth mentioning that the BJD chief had recently hogged the headlines for his support to a meeting of Opposition parties called by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to discuss constituency delimitation. This had fuelled speculation about a shift in Patnaik’s political strategy away from his previous stance of equidistance.
Some political analysts questioned whether Patnaik, who had maintained a neutral stance, is realigning with Opposition parties to ensure the longevity of Biju Janata Dal.
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BJD's backing of Stalin's meeting was speculated to be followed by Patnaik's visit to New Delhi, stoking debate over his political agenda.
