NAVEEN REJECTS RUMOURS, CLAIMS HE IS IN PERFECT HEALTH
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar: Rejecting rumours about his health, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday claimed that he is in “perfect health” and in the service of the people of the State.
Naveen visited the 11th century Lingaraj Temple here to review the work of Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action Plan (EKAMRA Plan) during the day when the rumour mill was on the overdrive across the State in the midst the three-tier panchayat poll in the State.
“I can assure all of you that I am in perfect health and very happy to serve the people of Odisha … Whenever there is an election, rumours about my health circulate,” Naveen, who is the president of the ruling BJD, said.
His statement is considered significant as he did not go out for campaigning for the party candidates but addressed several virtual meetings with the party leaders and workers. “Whenever there is rumour, the Biju Janata Dal, you can be assured, is going to do very well,” he said.
Asked whether it were the Opposition parties that spread such a rumour, the ruling BJD chief said, “I do not want to say anything now. You know that the model code of conduct is in force and one should not speak much.”
Naveen had not campaigned during the previous panchayat election in 2017 and this time he did not mingle with the people due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also not attended his office at the Lok Seva Bhavan for two years following outbreak of the pandemic. He was last seen in public at the Republic Day function here on Mahatma Gandhi Road.
While clarifying his health condition, Naveen took the opportunity to reiterate his COVID-19 message for the people. “The pandemic is still around and please do not lower your guard. Wear mask and follow COVID appropriate behaviour,” he said.
Meanwhile, Opposition BJP and Congress criticised the BJD over the rumour on the Chief Minister’s health. They accused the ruling party of creating the rumour and its president rejecting to get political mileage during the ongoing panchayat elections.
BJP spokesman Surath Biswal said, “We are not aware about the rumour. They (BJD) create rumours and reject it too. The motive is just to get sympathy”.
Congress spokesperson Debasis Patnaik challenged the BJD Government to register a case against persons behind spreading the rumour on the Chief Minister’s health.
“What prevented the Government to initiate legal action against persons involved in spreading the rumour? It is a serious matter that someone can do such a thing against the head of the State. The fact remains that BJD created the rumour to get political mileage,” he added.
Source;dns
