Naveen Patnaik breaks silence on election defeat, makes serious allegations against BJP

For the first time after losing power in the Odisha Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gave an open statement on the party’s defeat. On BJD’s 28th foundation day, Patnaik accused BJP of making false promises, false stories and misleading the public and expressed fear of EVM tampering.

Election results and allegations against BJP

In the 2024 assembly elections, BJP achieved majority by winning 78 seats, while BJD was reduced to 51 seats. Congress got only 14 seats. Naveen Patnaik said that BJP got less votes than BJD, but the party could not effectively counter BJP’s false propaganda and social media campaign.

Patnaik said, “We have not lost the trust of the public. BJP won this election by lying, making false promises and misleading people. Our mistake was that we could not respond to his lies effectively.”

Advice to be active on social media

Addressing party workers, Patnaik advised them to be more active on social media and give a befitting reply to BJP’s false propaganda. He said that BJD will have to be prepared to face negative campaigns by BJP in future.

EVM malfunction and demand for ballot papers

Pointing to the alleged irregularities in EVMs, Patnaik demanded an investigation by the Election Commission. He said, “Our party is in favor of holding elections through ballot papers. If there is nothing wrong with the EVMs, then why is the BJP worried about it?”

Attack on BJP over remarks on Dr. BR Ambedkar

Patnaik said this while reacting to the remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Dr. BR Ambedkar. “Extremely unfortunate” told. He said, “Dr. “Such comments on a great personality like Ambedkar are not acceptable.”

BJD’s stand on ‘one country, one election’

Patnaik said that his party is currently considering the proposal of ‘one country, one election’. He said BJD is reviewing the modalities of the proposed arrangement and will soon clarify its stand on it.

silence on successor

On the question of his political legacy and successor, Patnaik said, “I have been in politics for a long time, but haven’t thought about this yet.”

With this statement, Naveen Patnaik has tried to prepare his party for future challenges by discussing the reasons for the defeat. BJD is now moving towards making a new strategy against BJP.