Bhubaneswar, May 29: Amid videos of BJD leader VK Pandian adjusting Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s shivering hands going viral on social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the well-wishers of the BJD leader were worried over his health, and they believed that there might be a conspiracy behind it.
Addressing election rallies in Mayurbhanj and Balasore Lok Sabha seats, he said, “The well-wishers of Naveen Babu are worried over his sudden deteriorating health condition. It has been worsening over the last one year. Is there a conspiracy behind this? Is the lobby that is currently running the Patnaik Government on his behalf responsible for it?”
“If the BJP forms the Government in Odisha after the ongoing Assembly elections, it would constitute a committee to ascertain the reason behind the deterioration of Patnaik’s health,” Modi said.
“The mystery behind Naveen Babu’s deteriorating health condition should be revealed as the people of the state have the right to know the reason,” the PM said.
In an apparent reference to BJD leader VK Pandian, who hails from Tamil Nadu and is considered close to Patnaik, said, “Entire Odisha wants an Odia chief minister. The people of Odisha have decided to put a full stop to the 25-year rule of the BJD in the State.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister hit back saying that if the PM was concerned about his health, all he had to do was to pick a telephone and enquire about his health.
Patnaik also asserted that his health is perfect and he has been campaigning in the state for the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections for the last one month.
“If he was so concerned about my health and he has stated publicly before that I am his good friend, all he had to do was to pick a telephone and ask me about my health,” Patnaik said.
“I understand that there are a number of people in the BJP from Odisha in Delhi, who have been spreading this rumour about my health for the last 10 years,” he added.
Patnaik added, “Instead of concerning about such rumours, you should concentrate on revision of coal royalty for our state and also our demand for a special category status, which we have been begging for years. This will benefit the people of Odisha.”
