In his first address to the media after the recent Odisha assembly elections, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasized his continued commitment to the people of Odisha and defended the integrity of V.K. Pandian, the bureaucrat-turned-politician. Patnaik, a political stalwart who has led the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for over two decades, acknowledged the election defeat with grace and reaffirmed his dedication to serving the state.
Graceful Acceptance of Defeat
Patnaik, reflecting on the electoral outcome, stated, “In a democracy, you either win or lose. Having been defeated after a long time, we must always take the verdict of the people gracefully. I have always said that the four and a half crore people of Odisha are my family, and I’ll continue to serve them in whichever way I can.”
Despite the BJD’s setback, Patnaik managed to retain his seat in Hinjili, though by a narrow margin of just over 4,600 votes. This outcome underscores his enduring connection with the electorate even as the political landscape evolves.
Defense of V.K. Pandian
Addressing the criticisms directed at V.K. Pandian, Patnaik remarked, “It has come to my notice that there has been some criticism of Mr. Pandian. This is unfortunate. As an officer, he did excellent work in many fields over the last 10 years — aiding with cyclone relief efforts and managing the COVID-19 response in our state.”
Patnaik continued to highlight Pandian’s contributions, stating, “After this commendable service, he retired from the bureaucracy and joined my party, where he has made significant contributions. He is a person of integrity and honesty and should be remembered for that. Mr. Pandian has also worked in education, health, sports, and our temple restoration program.”
Clarification on Succession
Patnaik firmly dispelled rumors about Pandian being his successor, emphasizing that such a decision rests with the people of Odisha. “When asked about my successor, I have said it is not Mr. Pandian, and I repeat it — the people of Odisha will decide my successor.”
BJP’s Victory and BJD’s Setback
The BJP’s triumph in Odisha marks a significant shift, with the party winning 78 out of 147 assembly seats, ending BJD’s 24-year reign. In the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP secured 20 out of 21 seats, leaving the BJD without any representation. This result signifies a major change in Odisha’s political dynamics but does not diminish Patnaik’s legacy.
Reactions within BJD
In the wake of the election results, Patnaik addressed internal concerns with a focus on unity and strength. His statements served to reassure his party members and reaffirm his leadership. Patnaik’s approach aims to maintain cohesion within the BJD and to focus on the party’s future endeavors.
Patnaik’s Health and Future Plans
Addressing concerns about his health, Patnaik stated, “There have been some questions on my health. I want to say here quite categorically that my health has always been fine and continues to be so. You have seen that in the last month, I have campaigned vigorously in the heat, and that should be enough to give a verdict on my health.”
Patnaik’s long tenure as Chief Minister has left a lasting impact on Odisha, with his policies and leadership shaping the state’s progress. As Odisha transitions to new leadership, Patnaik’s promise to continue serving the people underscores his enduring commitment to the state and his place in the hearts of its citizens.
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