Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed significant concerns about the autonomy of Odisha Counterpart Naveen Patnaik, suggesting that the latter may be under undue influence from his aide V Karthikeyan Pandian. Himanta Sarma implied that a situation where a CM is potentially compromised is detrimental to the country.
In a direct remark, CM Himanta stated, “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.”
The Assam CM 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 Assam BJP’s top leader has been strongly slamming former bureaucrat Pandian and his ‘influence’ over Odisha CM. Earlier, Himanta Sarma urged the people of Odisha to fund VK Pandian’s Tamil Nadu trip amid poll campaign and to protect the State’s prestige.
Criticising the Odisha Government sternly, CM Himanta Sarma hit out at Naveen Patnaik for his ego and destroying the State with poor governance.
“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 the Assam CM.
On Pandian, who is now contesting the Lok Sabha Polls on BJD ticket, Dr Himanta commented, “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.”
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