No Naveen, no vote: Senior BJD leader Badri Patra targets VK Pandian

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) senior leader Badri Patra on Monday launched an attack on former 5T Chairman VK Pandian, stating that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik remains a highly popular leader, a fact clearly proven by the results of the last election in Odisha.

Patra said that people were looking for Naveen, but instead, others tried to act like him. He alleged that some leaders toured in helicopters, delivered speeches from pandals, and considered themselves as alternatives to Naveen. According to him, such individuals kept Naveen Patnaik away from the people.

He further said that the public clearly expressed the sentiment of 'no Naveen, no vote'. Patra clarified that his remarks were aimed at those who weakened the leader by distancing him from the masses.

The senior BJD leader also stated that the party is currently passing through a difficult phase. He said efforts are underway to reorganise the party, bring it back on the right path, and strengthen its leadership, calling it a positive initiative. Patra added that steps are being taken to keep away those who are creating obstacles within the party.

"Our party is popular and our leader is also popular. We got defeated in the last election despite getting more votes than BJP. We got defeated as Naveen Patnaik didn't go for campaigning. Isn't it a proof of Naveen's popularity? People wanted Naveen. As they didn't find him, the number of our votes decreased. Had Naveen joined the campaign, we would have got more votes. People got dissatisfied as another leader acted as Naveen. Our number of votes got reduced as some leaders toured in helicopters, delivered speeches from pandals. They made mistakes by thinking of them as the alternative to Naveen Patnaik, and as a result, the party was affected. It was proved in the last election that Naveen is the most popular leader," said Patra.

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"There is no harm if leaders of the party unite. The party is currently passing through a difficult phase, and efforts are underway to reorganise the party, bring it back on the right path, and strengthen its leadership. Steps are being taken to keep away those who are creating obstacles within the party," he added.

In response to the ongoing war of words and internal party politics, BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera said, "Not only BJD but also every party has issues. There is no problem when the leaders of a party unite. The party can't take away their rights of feasting and merrymaking. However, I don't have time to join them as I am busy with my constituency work.