Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), May 6: Amidst a gathering in Bhawanipatna, BJD leader and 5T chairman V K Pandian announced that Naveen Patnaik will be taking the oath as Chief Minister for the sixth consecutive term on June 9, backed by the unwavering support of the people of Odisha.
Pandian dismissed BJP’s assertions, stating that the neighboring Chhattisgarh’s BJP-led government is faltering, evidenced by recent incidents of unrest. He emphasized that despite BJP’s campaign efforts, the outcome of the elections in Odisha remains unchanged, affirming Patnaik’s re-election on June 9, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Highlighting BJD’s track record, Pandian underscored the party’s commitment to peace and development, asserting it as the “Naveen engine guarantee.”
Encouraging continued support for Patnaik, Pandian urged the people to safeguard existing welfare schemes, cautioning against BJP’s alleged plans to halt them post-June 10. He also questioned the opposition’s failure to name a CM candidate in the last 24 years.
Reflecting on recent developmental initiatives like the Srimandir Prikrama Prakalpa and Samalei projects, Pandian attributed their success to the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the people of Odisha.
Pandian’s remarks were interpreted as a direct response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s declaration of June 4 as the BJD government’s “expiry date.” Modi had asserted that a BJP Chief Minister would be sworn in Bhubaneswar on June 10, promising comprehensive development for the Jagannath Temple in Puri akin to projects in Kashi and Ayodhya.
