Bhubaneswar: For the first time speaking about the party’s debacle in the last general elections, BJD President and former chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said his party was defeated as it could not counter the “false narratives” of the BJP.
Addressing the party workers at the BJD headquarters on the party’s foundation day on 28th foundation day, Naveen accused the BJP of assuming power in Odisha by telling lies, making false promises and misleading the people. He said the party has not lost the confidence of the people.
“I know many people question how we lost the last election. Let me clarify: we did not lose. We did not lose the trust of the people. The BJP came to power through spreading lies, false promises, and by misleading the public. Despite this, the BJP received fewer votes than us. Our mistake was failing to counter their lies and negative campaigns effectively, especially on social media,” the BJD Supremo remarked.
He urged party workers to remain active on social media and counter the BJP’s false narratives. “The people of Odisha now understand that the BJP seized power through deception,” he said.
Speaking to media persons, Shri Patnaik said he doesn’t know the reason why Union Minister Giriraj Singh proposed Bharat Ratna for the former Odisha chief minister and Nitish Kumar.
On being questioned by reporters about the recommendation, Patnaik said, “I have no idea why he did that.”
Amid recent differences of opinion, Shri Patnaik criticised Amit Shah’s comments about Ambedkar as very unfortunate. “I think the Union home minister’s remark on such an illustrious figure as Dr BR Ambedkar is very unfortunate,” he said.
He said his party supports elections through ballot papers and is yet to take a stand on ‘One Nation One Election’ as it is examining the modalities.
He said the complaint filed by the BJD with the Election Commission, claiming unusual variances in the votes cast in the 2024 Lok Sabha and assembly elections, must be examined carefully.
Taking a dig at the state’s ruling party over the matter, he said, “I do not know why the BJP is getting so excited about it. Nobody has accused them of anything yet. It seems to be an example of one person claiming to be innocent even as he is not accused of committing any wrong.”
Asked about his successor, Shri Patnaik said, “Well, I am here for a long time. I have not thought about this.”
He said BJD will continue to fight against the central government’s atrocities and safeguard the interests of Odisha as a strong regional party.
Shri Patnaik affirmed that the party would continue to serve the people of Odisha for the next hundred years.
Expressing his gratitude to party workers, he stated that the BJD has become a strong regional force due to the love and support of the people of Odisha and the relentless efforts of its members.
Recalling the party’s inception, Patnaik said, “On this day, December 26, 1997, Biju enthusiasts united to establish the Biju Janata Dal, inspired by the ideals and vision of Biju Babu. At that time, many doubted the party’s survival. Some even believed it would neither grow nor succeed.
“However, thanks to your hard work and the blessings of the people of Odisha, Biju Janata Dal has won five elections and has had the privilege of serving the State,” Shri Patnaik said.
Highlighting the BJD government’s achievements over the past 24 years, he said, “Our government has introduced Odisha to the world as a strong and prosperous state. Once reliant on food grains from other states, Odisha now exports food internationally and has become a model state in disaster management. “In 2000, the state was struggling with an overdraft, but today it boasts a budget surplus. Odisha is a leader in women’s empowerment, financial discipline, and is recognized as the Sports Capital of the world.”