Slugfest over Modi’s CM claim; Patnaik says BJP ‘dreaming’
Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the BJP will have its government in Odisha on June 10, indicating that the Naveen Patnaik-led regional Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will be voted out of power, BJD’s key strategist V. Karthikeyan Pandian countered his statement and said, “Naveen Patnaik will be sworn-in as CM of the state for a record sixth term on June 9.”
CM Patnaik also tried to make fun of Mr Modi’s claim, saying, “BJP dinare swapna dekhuchi (BJP is day-dreaming).”
The rare slugfest between Mr Modi and Mr Pandian created flutters in political circles. Curious people began discussing among themselves as to whose assertion was stronger.
While many maintained that Mr Modi cannot make such a big assertion without having a clear understanding of the ground situation as it would cost him his reputation, others, who have been keeping a close watch on the bureaucratturned-politician, vouched that the latter cannot go wrong as all his
◗ THE RARE slugfest between Modi and Pandian created flutters in political circles. Curious people began discussing among themselves as to whose assertion was stronger.
previous articulations have proved right.
“Naveen Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm on June 9," Mr Pandian said on Monday afternoon.
At two separate meetings in Odisha’s Berhampur and Nabarangpur, the PM on Monday said, “On June 4, the Bharatiya Janata Party will emerge victorious in the Odisha Assembly polls. On June 6, we will name our chief minister candidate and on June 10, our CM will take oath of office.”