Bhubaneswar: Rubbishing the rumours about his ill health condition, Chief Minister and BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik on Friday said he is having perfect health, very happy and there to serve the people of Odisha.
After a long gap, the Chief Minister today visited Lingaraj Temple here and prayed for the good health of the people of Odisha. He also reviewed the progress made on execution of Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action Plan (EKAMRA Plan), which was launched in 2019 for all-round development and beautification of the periphery of the 11th-century shrine.
“Whenever there is an election in the State, rumours start doing the rounds about my health. But I can assure all of you that I am in perfect health, very happy and here to serve the people of Odisha.” Naveen told reporters with a very smiling face.
When asked if such rumours were being spread by the opposition as the Panachayat election is going on in the State, the CM chose to refrain from making any direct comment as model code of conduct is in force in the State for the on-going Panchayat polls.
However, he maintained that, “Whenever there is such rumour, you can be assured that the BJD is going to do well.”
The Chief Minister’s statement carries much significance as it came at a time when a lot of people across the State are curious to know about his health following hushed discussions about his failing health in social media platforms.
Notably, Naveen had not campaigned for the ongoing Panchayat elections. He was also criticised for not physically attending his office and the Assembly despite visiting different districts in recent months to launch the BSKY smart health cards ahead of the rural polls.
Naveen did not forget to give his Covid-19 cautionary message for people. “The pandemic is still around and please do not lower your guard. Wear a mask and follow Covid appropriate behaviour,” he told the media persons