After the video of Naveen Patnaik’s shaking hand and VK Pandian hiding it went viral, it triggered speculations over the health of his
deteriorating health, PM Addressed the matter himself.
“Nowadays, all well-wishers of Mr Patnaik are deeply concerned. They are worried by how sharply Odisha CM’s health has deteriorated over the past year. Whenever people close to him meet me, they often discuss his health.”, said PM. He also thinks that there is some conspiracy behind Patnaik’s sudden decline in health. PM Promised that a separate committee will be formed to investigate this matter to find the reason behind Naveen Patnaik’s health decline.
Hemant Biswa Sharma, Chief Minister of Assam also commented on the controversy and lashed out on BJD leader VK Pandian for helding Patnaik captive, as he was seen hiding CM’s shaky hand from the public. He expressed his concern towards Patnaik’s health.
PM Modi expressed conern over decling health of Odisha’s CM Naveen Patnaik (Image: TOI)
Naveen Patnaik rebuts all claims of his deteriorating health, blamed BJP for spreading false information.
Patnaik issued a strong rebuttal to Modi’s claim on his health. “I understand that the prime minister at a public meeting in our state today has stated that I am bad in health and he wants to institute an enquiry in this matter. If he was so concerned about my health and he considers me his friend then all he had to do was pick up the telephone and ring me up about my health.”
He advised PM that instead of forming a committee for his health, he should focus on coal royalties for Odisha and longstanding demand for special status to Odisha. He also stated that PM’s concern is only because of elections to get votes and divert people from other major issues of the state.
Use of health concerns in politics is not new, but this highlights the intense battle for Odisha’s political landscape. Naveen Patnaik has been on helm of Odisha’s government since 2000 and has gained massive popularity over years majorly due to his constant efforts in disaster management. Despite national prominence of BJP, Patnaik’s popularity has kept BJP at bay.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik (Image: ANI)
