Guwahati, 23rd May: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised serious concerns about the autonomy of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, suggesting that Patnaik might be under undue influence from his aide, V. Karthikeyan Pandian.
In a pointed statement, Sarma remarked, “This election is about the pride of Odisha. The CM of Odisha cannot meet anyone alone or converse without Pandian’s presence. We need to understand if Naveen Babu himself desires Pandian’s constant presence or if Pandian has orchestrated a situation where Naveen Babu cannot break free.”
Sarma further proposed, “I believe a High Court judge should speak with Naveen Babu to determine if he is content with this arrangement. If a Chief Minister is in a hostage situation, it is detrimental to the country. It seems to me that Pandian has effectively captured Naveen Babu.”
The chief minister of Assam has been strongly critiquing the former bureaucrat Pandian and his ‘influence’ over the chief minister of Odisha. Earlier, Sarma urged the people of Odisha to fund VK Pandian’s Tamil Nadu trip amid poll campaign to protect the state’s respect.
In a sharp critique against the Odisha government, CM Sarma slammed Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his ego and alleged poor governance, claiming it was destroying the state. “On June 10 we will form the government in Odisha and will also take the oath. We will all come to the ceremony…This is very sad that the government here in the state is not functioning properly. One person’s ego is destroying the state,” said CM Sarma.
Regarding former bureaucrat VK Pandian, who is now contesting the Lok Sabha Polls on a BJD ticket, CM Sarma stated, “I request the people of Odisha to collect some donations and buy a plane ticket to Tamil Nadu for Pandian ji. The state will be saved.”
Sarma’s comments have sparked a significant political controversy, drawing attention to the alleged dynamics within the Odisha Chief Minister’s office and raising questions about governance and autonomy in the state. The situation continues to evolve as responses from the Odisha government and other political figures are anticipated.
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