BJD stands strong and united: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

The CM, who returned to the State Capital after his five-day tour to Delhi, said there is no infighting among BJD leaders and the party is united. “Where is the infighting?” he retorted.

BHUBANESWAR: Even as senior BJD members are busy exposing weaknesses of the ruling party through newspaper columns, party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said the BJD is going strong.


The CM, who returned to the State Capital after his five-day tour to Delhi, said there is no infighting among BJD leaders and the party is united. “Where is the infighting?” he retorted.


Asked about the article written by MP Bhartruhari Mahatab which has not gone down well with BJD leaders, the CM said, “I have not gone through the article yet. Let me read it and then I will see what has to be said.”

Rubbishing the opposition allegations that the ruling BJD is getting weaker, Naveen said, “Who says the party is going weaker? I don’t think its going weak at all. Where is it weaker?’’


He said the BJD is the largest party in the State and has been winning four elections in a row. When asked if he paid a visit to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to forge alliance with BJP, the CM dismissed it by saying his visit was a just a courtesy call. “That is not true. Mr Vajpayee is not keeping well. So I paid a courtesy visit,” he said.


Attributing motive to Naveen’s visit to the residence of the former PM, the BJP had said it was more than just a courtesy call. “Why did Naveen meet Vajpayeeji after such a long time? What made him to pay a visit now?” questioned BJP MLA Pradeep Purohit.


Purohit further said the CM’s visit has created suspicion as he did not bother to meet Vajpayee even though the former PM has been ailing for about last seven years.


On joining hands with Janata Dal (U) to back a presidential candidate, Naveen said there are no such plans yet. Expressing shock over Sukma incident, the CM said, “It is very tragic. We will wait for invitation for the May 8 meeting from the Union Home Minister where the matter will be discussed.”

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