Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), May 22: During a BJP rally in Odisha, Union Minister Giriraj Singh made startling allegations against Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, claiming that he is effectively under house arrest and that the state is being controlled by mafia elements.
Speaking during a roadshow from Bhutapada to Sunapali in Sambalpur, Singh asserted that Patnaik only makes brief appearances before disappearing again. He went as far as to accuse the Chief Minister of being kidnapped and held captive.
Singh also reminded Naveen Patnaik of his previous commitment to step down from the Chief Minister’s post upon reaching the age of 75. “Naveen babu had promised 20-25 years ago that he would retire at 75. Now at 77, he is allegedly grooming V K Pandian as his successor,” Singh stated. He urged the people of Odisha to vote for the BJP to safeguard Odia pride and ensure that a local leader assumes the state’s leadership.
The Union Minister criticized the BJD, claiming it lacks capable leaders. “Naveen babu only has Pandian and Bobby (Pranab Prakash Das),” he remarked.
Singh also condemned the BJD government for allegedly obstructing Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in Sambalpur. “We are unable to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti here. If not here, then where? In Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Malaysia?” he rhetorically questioned, while cautioning the people of Sambalpur about the reported influx of Rohingya refugees into the district.
