BJD ‘drama’ exposed! ‘Fake’ farmers planted to gain sympathy? Naveen Patnaik's party refutes allegations

Former CM Naveen Patnaik, who tended to manage issues related to flood-induced damage and crop failures from a distance, often preferring aerial surveys on his chopper instead of direct engagements with affected farmers, sparked political debate after he finally stepped out of Naveen Niwas and visited agricultural communities.

However, a viral video has apparently exposed the BJD. On December 31, a poignant video circulated widely, capturing a farmer’s emotional breakdown in Patnaik's presence. It turns out that he was a ‘fake’ farmer planted by BJD leaders to gain sympathy. This mix of mirth and melancholy has stirred considerable reaction both online and offline.

The video has sparked animated discussions concerning Patnaik's sincerity to farmers. Social media is abuzz with people questioning the authenticity of Naveen Patnaik’s visit to Salepur, Cuttack district, on December 31.

Now, netizens are questioning whether the meeting was a choreographed drama rather than a genuine interaction. The spotlight is on a ‘fake’ farmer who was seen shedding crocodile tears while meeting Patnaik, only to be later seen driving off smiling on a scooter. This has sparked queries over whether the farmer's emotional display was sincere or if he was coerced and trained for a performance.

Questions are further intensified about whether Patnaik’s visit might be part of a new strategy by the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) to bolster its image after recent electoral setbacks. Observers have noted that Patnaik, in his role as Chief Minister, has not previously made concerted efforts to directly engage with farmers’ grievances.

“The way he was crying and creating a scene, it was evident that it was a pre-planned drama by the BJD. When Naveen Patnaik was the CM, he never came out of his luxurious Niwas to reach out to farmers. Now, he is doing all the drama to gain sympathy,” a local BJP leader Satyabadi Chaini stated.

However, the ‘fake’ farmer in the video identified as Prashant Parija refuted the allegations of fake sympathy and said, “My leg is broken. I’m a handicapped man. So, I had brought my scooter here. They are all spreading fake news in my name on social media.”

“He indeed is a farmer and had cultivated paddy in 4-5 acre land. He has suffered massive loss. Trolling him for being divyang is highly condemnable,” said Biranchi Narayan Kar, BJD district co-ordinator, Cuttack.