'Pandian not my successor': Outgoing CM Naveen Patnaik breaks silence on poll debacle, criticism on health

Outgoing Odisha CM and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik on Saturday finally opened up on the humiliating poll debacle and the criticism surrounding VK Pandian. Patnaik shared his views on the outcome of the recent elections and BJD's poor performance. 

Speaking to ANI, Patnaik said, "It is in people's hands. In a democracy, you either win or lose. Having been defeated after a long time, we must always take the people's verdict gracefully."

Patnaik reiterated that the 4.5 crore people of Odisha are his family and he will continue to serve them in whichever way he can.

Ongoing Criticisms Against VK Pandian

The outgoing Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik today broke silence over the criticisms surrounding the bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian.

"There have been some criticisms of Mr Pandian and this is unfortunate. As an officer, he did excellent work in many fields in the last 10 years, helping in the two cyclones and also during Covid-19. After the good work, he retired from bureaucracy and joined BJD. He has contributed largely to that by doing excellent work. He is a person of integrity and honesty and should be remembered for all that."

Patnaik Allays Concerns About Health

Commenting on his health, Patnaik said, "My health has always been fine and continues to be so. You have seen that I have done hectic campaigning in the heat and it is enough to give a verdict on my health."

Pandian Not My Successor 

"I have always stated that when they asked me about my successor, I have said clearly that it is not Mr Pandian. I repeat it again that the people of Odisha will decide my successor," Patnaik told ANI.