Viral video of Naveen Patnaik walking slowly sparks debate on health

A viral video of former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik walking slowly at the airport with the support of his security personnel has triggered debate on social media, ahead of the Nuapada bypoll.

Former BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra shared the video on her social media handle, raising emotional questions about the CM’s health and the ethics of continuing campaign activities in such a condition.

In her post, Shreemayee wrote, “If Naveen Babu had a son, would he have sent him to campaign in such a condition? Would any daughter or son send their father to campaign like this?” She clarified that her remarks were not political, adding that they stemmed from ‘love and humanity towards our elders’.

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The video has reignited discussions over the Chief Minister’s health condition, with BJP leaders criticising the BJD for allegedly ‘forcing’ Naveen Patnaik into active campaigning despite visible frailty.

“He is physically weak, but still, he was brought forcibly for the election campaigning. It took him 10-15 minutes just to get down from his meeting and reach the meeting venue. Odisha people are seeing that BJD has stooped so low that they are not even caring for Naveen Babu’s health. Although he is not physically fit to go anywhere, he is being forced to go for election campaigning,” alleged BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal.

In response, the BJD dismissed the criticism, asserting that both Naveen Patnaik and the party are fully conscious and sensitive about human values and well-being, and that political opponents were unnecessarily attempting to gain mileage from the issue.

On the other hand, BJD MLA Sarada Jena claimed, “Shreemayee Mishra should know that Naveen Patnaik is the leader of 4.5 crore Odias. He had willingly come here to participate in the election campaign. BJD, Naveen Patnaik and those taking care of him are well aware of what is ‘humanity’.”
The incident has added a new emotional and ethical dimension to the Nuapada bypoll campaign narrative, sparking reactions across Odisha’s political circles and the public alike.