Naveen terms use of ‘derogatory language’ by BJP leaders as ‘unfortunate’

Bhubaneswar: With electioneering at its a peak ahead of second-round elections in Odisha, Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Friday lambasted the opposition for using derogatory language during public rallies.

“Some chief ministers and Union ministers come as political tourists only at the time of elections and then they disappear. Their speeches have no effect on the people of Odisha. And it’s most unfortunate that many of them use derogatory and abusive language. I never believe in doing that and the people here in our state don’t appreciate such language,” he told the PTI.

The BJP has unleashed a campaign blitzkrieg with party heavyweights, including Amit Shah and J P Nadda, touring the state and addressing rallies in the five Lok Sabha constituencies which are going to polls on May 20. The chief ministers of Assam, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan are also campaigning for BJP candidates here.

BJP star campaigner Hema Malini also held public meetings at Salia Sahi in Bhubaneswar, Kishorenagar in Cuttack before embarking on roadshow at Pipili.

The saffron party leaders have been directly attacking Naveen, questioning his knowledge about Odisha and his contribution to the state. They have been constantly hammering the electorate on the need for a young and dynamic CM, who is from Odisha, can speak the language and respect its culture and tradition, to ensure development of the state. The party has made Odia Asmita or Odia pride and development as its main poll planks, and questioning BJD leader V K Pandian for his sway over the regional party and the incumbent government.

Naveen along with Pandian has also been conducting rallies in Bargarh, Angul, Sundargarh, Balangir, and Ganjam districts.