After Poll Debacle Naveen Speaks on Pandian, His Health And Successor

Bhubaneswar: Days after the poll debacle of BJD in Odisha, Naveen Patnaik spoke for the first time about the issues like VK Pandian, his health and his successor. He spoke to news agencies PTI and ANi to express his views. He reiterated that despite being out of power, he would continue to serve the people of Odisha in any manner he can.

Speaking about VK Pandian, he said, “There has been some criticism of Mr Pandian. This is unfortunate. Mr Pandian joined the party, has not held any posts. He did not fight in these elections from any constituency. As an officer, he did excellent work by helping with two cyclones and the Covid-19 epidemic in our state. He is a person of integrity and honesty and he should be remembered for that.”

He again clarified that Pandian is not his successor and people of Odisha would decide who would be his heir in politics.

When asked about his declining health condition, he said, “I want to say it very categorically, that my health is always being fine and continues to be so. You have seen in the last month, that I have done hectic campaigning in the heat and that should be enough to give a verdict on my health.”

Regarding BJD’s defeat in the elections in Odisha, the former CM said, “That’s in the hands of the people. In the democracy, you either win or lose. Having being defeated after a long time, we must always take the verdict of the people gracefully. I have always said that four and a half crore of Odisha people are my family and I will continue to serve them in whichever way I can.”

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik ruled Odisha for 24 years and lost to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2024.