Nuapada: Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik once again demonstrated his enduring appeal to the electorate on Friday, unleashing a sharp critique of the current BJP State Government and issuing a passionate plea to voters in poll-bound Nuapada.
Addressing a massive election rally, BJD Supremo urged the people to deliver a resounding electoral rejection to what he termed the “betrayal” inflicted upon the citizens of Odisha, the BJD party, and himself.
Shri Patnaik, widely regarded for his simple and direct style, captivated the crowd by asking, “What did you get? Only dhoka and double dhoka (Only betrayal…double betrayal).”
The rhetorical question, delivered with trademark gravitas, resonated deeply as he positioned the election as a moment of reckoning.
His charisma was on full display as he led a massive roadshow through Nuapada town, drawing significant public response in support of BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria for the Nuapada Assembly by-election.
The former Chief Minister’s pointed remarks were directed squarely at Jay Dholakia, the son of the late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, who defected to the BJP just before the bypoll and is now contesting on a saffron party ticket.
Shri Patnaik leveraged this high-profile defection to reinforce his narrative of moral superiority, declaring, “The BJP may have formed a Government through lies. They can even steal candidates but would never win the hearts of the people.”
Projecting the BJD as the party of action, Shri Patnaik drew a clear contrast with the current ruling party, asserting, “Development activities have now come to a halt. Development does not happen through false propaganda. A Government cannot run on lies and false promises.”
He challenged the BJP Government’s performance over the past 500 days, asking the public if they had received key promises such as 300 units of free electricity, Rs 3,500 pension, fertilizer for farmers, jobs for youth, or loans for Mission Shakti women.
Shri Patnaik concluded his address by powerfully tying his personal call to the democratic process: “On November 11, give a befitting answer to the betrayal through your vote. Bless Snehangini Chhuria and vote for the Conch symbol,” a final, charismatic appeal intended to harness public sentiment and translate his personal popularity into votes for the BJD.