With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the people of Odisha, BJD will secure majority: BJD leader VK Pandian

Speaking at a press conference, Pandian stated, "With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the people of Odisha, the honourable CM Naveen Patnaik and the BJD will comfortably secure the majority of votes and form the government after the third phase of elections. We are convinced about it."

Responding to the questions about the vigorous campaigns by BJP central leaders in Odisha, Pandian remarked, "State BJP unit and all their constituency leaders are unable to come out of their constituencies. Because of the BJD's and Naveen Babu's strategy, they are all fixed in their own constituencies and are unable to come out. So, somebody has to come out and campaign for them. That is why, national leaders are coming."

He further commented on the criticism directed at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, saying, "By insulting such a popular and honourable leader, they are only helping the BJD gain a higher vote share. It is unfortunate that they have lowered the political discourse to such inappropriate levels just to get votes.

Condemning the remarks, Pandian said, "We are a mature democracy, and demeaning great leaders for votes is unacceptable. History and the people of Odisha will not forgive such actions. On June 4 we will see the results."

In response to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's allegations that VK Pandian is controlling Patnaik, Pandian stated, "Yesterday, I mentioned in my speech that he is our guest, and following the tradition of 'Atithi Devo Bhava,' we are respecting him and not saying anything to him."

Pandian further added, "He should visit Lord Jagannath and pray for Assam's development to match Odisha's in terms of economy, socio-economy, and women empowerment. Additionally, he should find out how a Chief Minister can remain so popular even after 20 years of incumbency. One should not degrade to such political discourse. People of Odisha will give a befitting reply to him."

The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha are taking place simultaneously. The elections are being held in four phases, from May 13 to June 1. Elections on 42 assembly segments and six Lok Sabha seats will be conducted on May 25, while elections on the remaining 42 assembly seats and six Lok Sabha seats will go for voting in the last phase on June 1.

The counting of votes will be held on June 4. In the last assembly elections in 2019, the BJD won 112 out of 146 seats. BJP won 23 seats and Congress got nine seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJD mopped up the lion's share of the electoral spoils, with the BJP and the Congress bringing up the rear. The BJD won 12 seats, the BJP finished a close second at 8, and the Congress bagged just a lone seat. (ANI)