TV
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Padmalochan Panda stirred a political row on Thursday by implying that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and the now Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik was previously driven insane and his close aide VK Pandian wanted him not to become the Chief Minister of Odisha.
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Naveen Patnaik, earlier exhibited signs of confusion and difficulty understanding situations. The BJP MLA stated that at times Patnaik would send flying kisses at others; he would wink, alluding to inconsistent behaviour. Panda expressed that even Patnaik was subjected to manipulation, likening it to acts as simple as a pat on the back.
Versions of the BJP MLA on Naveen
“Naveen Babu was kept like an ‘insane’ man. He was unable to understand anything. He was winking like a madman and giving flying kisses,” the BJP MLA expressed.
However, Panda acknowledged changes in Patnaik's demeanour, noting he now effectively engages with others and communicates in a friendly manner.
“Now-a-days, he is looking much better than before and his hands are not trembling. He is talking to others normally,” the legislator Panda stated to mediapersons.
BJD responded by dismissing Panda's remarks as misinformation. BJD spokesperson Pramila Mallik affirmed that Pandian had never administered any medication to Patnaik, asserting that Panda's statements serve merely as attempts to gain public attention.
“Earlier he (Padmalochan Panda) was in Congress and is now being marketed in BJP. What does he know about Naveen Patnaik? What would he say about Naveen Patnaik? Why is he telling lies to people?” BJD’s Pramila Mallik questioned.
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“He (the BJP MLA) is trying to take the credit by speaking baseless things against Naveen Patnaik. He thinks that by doing this, he would be rewarded with a minister portfolio by the BJP. Let him wait till he grows older. He would also tremble one day,” Mallik said.
