The curiosity about the health of Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was amplified after PM Narendra Modi brought it up while speaking at a political rally in the state and raised doubt about plottings in the doctored health of Patnaik. The PM’s remarks were derived from video footage of BJD leader VK Pandian holding a shaking hand supporting Patnaik, which caused gossip. In response, Patnaik quickly dismissed the allegations, stating Modi should call him personally to verify since they were depicted as friends. He also rejected the BJP’s ten years of spreading myths about his health, stressing that he is hale and graceful, having been involved in campaigns in hot temperatures.
While Odisha is set for assembly and Lok Sabha polls, the chief minister, Naveen Patnaik’s health has become an issue of rapture. PM Narendra Modi, during his rallies of Mayurbhanj and Balasore, showed concerns for Patnaik’s health and even threatened the formation of an inquiry committee. The 77-year-old Patnaik, who is seeking re-election, could easily become India’s longest-serving chief minister if he wins an election, doing so at the expense of a former chief minister of Sikkim — Pawan Kumar Chamling.
There are questions raised by the BJP regarding the role of VK Pandian in Odisha politics and his influence over Naveen Patnaik. Pandian, a former bureaucrat, was transferred to Maharashtra from Orissa shortly before his appointment; his links with Patnaik aroused BJP’s suspicion as it contested Pandian’s role in state affairs. Pandian, an IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, was Patnaik’s private secretary for a while and subsequently joined the BJD party. In terms of his political ‘connect’ with the state, marriage to a native of Odisha, along with the cadre transfer from Punjab, also signifies his association with the said state.
The ongoing political show in Odisha highlights the multidimensionality of health, power, and politics as a young Patnaik faces the electoral heat. With Modi’s statements serving to feed the rumors, the option and health of Patnaik have continued to attract public limelight, awaiting the election outcome of June 4.
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