Durga Puja 2024: Pandal visits of CM Mohan Majhi, LoP Naveen Patnaik stokes ‘fan base’ politics

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik visited various Durga Puja pandals in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of Mahasthami on Friday. However, politics intensified with leaders of the ruling BJP and Opposition BJD indulging in a war of words over the development.

As per reports, CM Majhi visited as many as nine puja pandals in Bhubaneswar and wished peace and prosperity to the people of the State. He first reached Patnasahi puja mandap in the Old Town area to have the darshan of Goddess Durga. Subsequently, he visited other puja mandaps in Sundarpada, Baramunda and Nayapalli to seek blessings.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik also visited various puja mandaps in the Capital City to seek blessings from Goddess Durga. After paying a visit to Rasulgarh puja mandap, Naveen Patnaik subsequently visited Badagada and Sahid Nagar puja pandals.

“There were stampedes during Naveen Patnaik’s visit to various puja pandals. Naveen is still in the hearts of the people. Naveen’s fan base and craze have not waned a little bit. Rather it’s on the rise. He is still very much popular among the people. People still have the feeling that Naveen is their Chief Minister and he has reached out to them. I know one thing that Naveen’s craze will never wane,” said Bhubaneswar Mayor and BJD leader Sulochana Das.

“The gentleman (Naveen) never visited any puja pandal in the last 24 years. He was even reluctant to visit Rabana Podi. After CM Mohan Majhi visited various puja pandals, he (Naveen) is now following him. It is quite unnatural. He seems to be competing as if the election is tomorrow and anything will happen. There should not be any political competition but rather an expression of devotion during this holy Durga Puja,” said Law Minister and senior BJP leader Prithiviraj Harichandan.