TV
In a sharp and spontaneous critique, senior journalist and politician Soumya Ranjan Patnaik launched a scathing attack on former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during the release event of a book titled ‘Naveen Patnaik’ on Monday.
Also Read: Waqf Bill u-turn: Soumya Ranjan Patnaik targets Naveen Patnaik, terms him a ‘Chup Shaitan’
Speaking at the event, Soumya Patnaik said that two books had been released in the past week, each shedding light on Odisha's shifting political landscape. “Naveen Patnaik did not wield his power; rather, he handed over hundred percent control to Pandian,” Soumya alleged, referring to BJD’s VK Pandian, the bureaucrat-turned-political strategist seen as the party supremo’s closest aide.
Soumya Patnaik went on to question the source of Pandian’s authority, saying, “There is a topic in the book ‘Pandian Magic’. How did he (Pandian) get so much power?”
“Who is Mr. Pandian? He was only a secretary like other secretaries. However, who had bestowed so much power on him, and also those who accepted him and had become ‘his slaves’ and were worshipping him as an incarnation of the Almighty, why are they hiding now behind the screen?” the former Khandapada MLA questioned.
Addressing Naveen Patnaik’s health issues, Soumya remarked that he had no desire to visit the former CM in the hospital and face the same fate as some other BJD leaders who were embarrassed and politically sidelined afterwards. “I was in the BJD for six years—I know very well how that party is running,” he asserted.
Senior journalist Ruben Banerjee, who was also present, added that while many people had not even read the books, they were already reacting with hostility. “People are abusing me without even reading the book, but it doesn't matter to me,” he said.
However, Naveen Patnaik is yet to respond to the allegations. No comments were also received from the BJD in this regard.
