Argus News - Basant Panda Slams Naveen Patnaik, Predicts BJP's Victory in Nuapada

Nuapada/Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: Senior BJP leader and former MP Basant Panda on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik, accusing him of insulting the people of Nuapada during a recent election rally.

Addressing a press conference, Panda said that Patnaik’s remarks were “deeply unfortunate and shameful” and would not be forgiven by the local populace. He also expressed confidence in a sweeping BJP victory in the November 11 Nuapada bypoll.

“BJD’s Fortress Has Fallen”

Panda claimed that the BJD, once dominant in Nuapada, has lost its grip on the region. He predicted that the party’s performance would worsen compared to the last election, citing growing public disillusionment and alleged misgovernance during Patnaik’s 24-year rule.

Sharp Criticism of Leadership

The BJP leader questioned Patnaik’s moral authority to criticize the current BJP government, pointing to what he described as years of betrayal and neglect of farmers, the poor, and marginalized communities. He accused the former CM of shielding criminals, denying housing to the poor under PMAY, and disrespecting deceased leaders and their families.

Panda also criticized Patnaik’s treatment of senior BJD leaders who helped build the party, suggesting that his behaviour reflected a “declining mental and political state.”

Also Read: Jay Dholakia Accuses BJD of Neglecting Late Father, Former Nuapada MLA

Voters Have Decided, Says Panda

Panda asserted that the people of Nuapada have already made up their minds to reject the BJD and support BJP candidate Jay Dholakia. He said the electorate is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s leadership in Odisha.

The BJP leader concluded by saying that Jay Dholakia’s victory is certain and will further strengthen BJP’s presence in the state assembly.