'ODISHA NEEDS A CM WHO ...': PM MODI TAKES A DIG AT NAVEEN PATNAIK

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stated that the BJD government's expiry date is June 4, the day the assembly election results will be announced.

During his first election rally in Odisha, the Prime Minister urged the people to give the BJP a chance to make Odisha the number one state in the country.

In what seemed to be a veiled dig at BJD president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik, PM Modi stated, "Odisha needs a CM who understands Odia language and culture."

He claimed that Odisha has not benefitted from the Ayushman Bharat Yojana because the "BJD government did not implement" it in the state. The prime minister also mentioned that the Centre provided Rs 10,000 crore under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' scheme to Odisha, but the BJD dispensation failed to utilize the funds properly.

The prime minister highlighted Odisha's fertile land, mineral resources, and sea coasts, but pointed out that people remain poor. He said, "We released a visionary manifesto for Odisha promising jobs for youths and women and health facilities for senior citizens. BJP fulfils what it says."

PM Modi invited the people to the swearing-in ceremony of BJP's CM on June 10, promising to implement the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana on the same day. He appealed to the people to allow the BJP to serve the state for once, guaranteeing that Odisha will be transformed into the number one state within the next five years.

The prime minister attributed Odisha's backwardness to the "rampant loot" by Congress, which ruled the state for 50 years, and the BJD, which has been in power for the past 25 years. He described the BJD as "sinking," Congress as a "spent force," and the BJP as the "only ray of hope" for the people.

BJD announces date for swearing-in event

In response to PM Modi's claim, senior BJD leader and Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian posted a video on social media. In the video, Pandian can be seen questioning the chief minister regarding the BJP's assertions that they will secure power in Odisha.

In response, the 77-year-old BJD supremo firmly states, "The BJP is daydreaming."

A few hours later, Pandian said: "With the blessings of the people, CM Naveen Patnaik will take oath as CM for the sixth term on June 9. The swearing-in ceremony will take place between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm on June 9."