Poll debacle prompts Naveen Patnaik to adopt an ‘attacking strategy’ to reunite BJD!

Following poll debacle in 2024 General Elections, Rajya Sabha MPs leaving BJD one after another and inner squabble within the party, supremo Naveen Patnaik seems to have adopted an aggressive strategy. After attacking the newly formed BJP government on renaming of Ravenshaw University and Odia Asmita (identity) issues on Tuesday, Naveen rapped the saffron party again today by terming it as ‘double standard’.

“Is this Odia Asmita? It is the moral duty of the nation to respect and be grateful to the great men for their contribution. Institutions of excellence are built with sacrifice, dedication and vision of these great men are the indelible achievements of the nation. Some people are trying to distort history. What message does this convey for future generations?” wrote Naveen on social media account X (earlier known as Twitter) on Tuesday targeting BJP.

Moreover, taking a jab at the ruling BJP while addressing the concluding session of the BJD’s youth wing today, Patnaik criticised the saffron party for its ‘reliance on falsehoods’. 

“Merely speaking lies loudly does not make them true. It has been three months since the new government took office, and it should focus on delivering results through hard work instead of making grandiose claims,” he said.

Patnaik also accused the BJP government of double standards, particularly regarding the announcements of the Subhadra Yojana for women, free electricity, and increased social security allowances. 

“You may win elections through deceit, but not the hearts of the people,” he further said

Further targeting the BJP, Patnaik condemned recent debates over the renaming of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack.

“Some people are trying to impose their own thinking on others, which is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he added.

Meanwhile, countering Naveen, BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra said that Naveen needs one more birth to understand Odia Asmita (identity).

“Where was your history when mutts in Puri were demolished? Why Naveen has so much sympathy for British officer TE Ravenshaw who is responsible for the death of so many people,” tweeted Mishra.

Meanwhile, taking a dig at BJP, BJD leader Ganeswar Behera said, “Has not Naveen babu honoured the great men of Odisha? To keep the ‘Asmita’ a kind of mentality is needed. Forbearance and neutral mindset are the basis of the mentality. Unfortunately, we are not seeing it.”

In response, BJD leader Santosh Khatua said, “Talk about Odia Asmita from them is not acceptable at all. Debates need to be made over Ravenshaw and they should come forward for it.”

Apart from Ravenshaw and Odia Asmita issue, Naveen also recently launched scathing attacks on BJD in the Assembly over Rath Yatra Pahandi mishap, controversy over Governor’s son, rape incidents and chikiti hooch tragedy.

According to political experts, with BJD gradually becoming weaker in the grassroots, Naveen has adopted an aggressive strategy.

“So many leaders have left the party after BJD went out of power. Hence, Naveen has adopted an aggressive strategy to strengthen his importance to unite the party and bolster the confidence of the party workers,” said senior journalist Rabi Das.