BJD leader and close aide of Naveen Patnaik VK Pandian on Monday said Patnaik would be sworn in again as Chief Minister of Odisha on June 9.
This comes amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that June 4, the day the election results will be declared, marks the “expiry date” of the BJD government in Odisha.
Interestingly, Pandian has made these claims even as the first phase of voting for 28 of the 147 seats is yet to take place. Phase 1 of the state assembly elections will take place on May 13.
“With the blessings of the people, CM Naveen Patnaik will take oath as CM for the sixth term on June 9. The swearing-in ceremony will take place between 11.30 am and 1.30 pm on June 9,” reported ANI, quoting BJD leader VK Pandian.
The Odisha Assembly elections, along with voting for 21 Lok Sabha seats, will be held simultaneously in four phases: May 13, 20, 25 and June 1.
Naveen Patnaik is contesting from Hinjili Assembly segment in Ganjam district.
On May 6, while addressing his first election rally in the state in Berhampur, Modi urged people to give the BJP a chance to make Odisha the number one state in the country.
“Odisha needs a CM who understands Odia language and culture,” Modi said while taking a dig at BJD president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
“The BJP will form a twin-engine government here after the ongoing elections. The expiry date of the BJD government is June 4, 2024,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said the BJD is sinking, the Congress is a spent force and the BJP is the only ray of hope for the people. He added that the BJP has elevated a daughter of Odisha to the highest post in the country.
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Published: May 6, 2024 6:50 PM IST