Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for forming a committee to investigate his health, suggesting that Modi should focus instead on Odisha’s development and fiscal needs.
The 2024 elections have strained the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
During a rally in Odisha on Wednesday, PM Modi raised concerns about Patnaik’s health, suggesting a conspiracy and calling for a detailed investigation to “uncover the mystery” behind the CM’s sudden health decline. Modi claimed that people are worried about Patnaik’s health, which has deteriorated over the past year, and that those close to the CM have often discussed their concerns with him.
In response, Patnaik, known for his concise remarks, stated that rather than forming a committee to probe his health, the Prime Minister should concentrate on addressing Odisha’s development and fiscal needs. Patnaik assured everyone that he was in good health and suggested that if Modi were genuinely concerned, he could simply call him to inquire.
Patnaik also accused BJP leaders from Odisha of spreading rumors about his health. Amid criticism for promoting his aide and former bureaucrat VK Pandian, Patnaik countered BJP insinuations about his lack of campaigning. While speaking to the media, he said he was on his way to canvass in Nimapara.
Former Wrestling Federation of India president and six-time lawmaker from Kaiserganj, Uttar Pradesh, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, continues to face controversy. Accused of sexual harassment by female wrestlers and ousted from the federation, Singh was denied a ticket to contest this year’s elections.
Due to his influence in the area, the party nominated his son, Karan Bhushan Singh, from Kaiserganj for the Lok Sabha elections. However, on Wednesday, Karan Bhushan Singh was implicated in a tragic incident where a car from his convoy hit a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths of two young men and injuring a woman.
Some party leaders believe that Singh, who has cultivated an image as a ‘Bahubali’ (muscleman), should have been kept at a distance and opposed the decision to field his son in the elections.
By Ikshvashkuvanshi Ajay Kaushal
