Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), July 22: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has strongly dismissed a news report alleging that he had requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah “not to entertain” his party leader and key aide, V. K. Pandian.
Patnaik took to X to refute the claims, describing the report as “completely false, motivated, defamatory, and malicious.” He reiterated that Pandian has served the state and party with utmost dedication, efficiency, and integrity, and is well-respected for his contributions.
The report suggested that during a recent phone call with Shah, Patnaik had offered the BJD’s support in the Rajya Sabha, where the Narendra Modi-led NDA currently lacks a majority. The report further claimed that Patnaik had warned Shah about Pandian, alleging that Pandian had been attempting to make deals with the BJP to undermine the BJD in Odisha.
The BJD holds nine seats in the Rajya Sabha, while the BJP’s strength in the Upper House has decreased to 86 following the completion of terms for four nominated members – Rakesh Sinha, Ram Shakal, Sonal Mansingh, and Mahesh Jethmalani – on July 13. The NDA’s total stands at 101 members, falling short of the 113 needed for a majority in the 245-member House of Elders.
The report also noted Pandian’s frequent trips to Delhi and suggested that the BJP leadership has decided to side with Patnaik and not engage with Pandian at this time.
