Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (May 31) refuted the allegations that ex-bureaucrat VK Pandian is his successor.&nbsp;

The people of Odisha will be choosing his successor, said the Odisha CM.

"I have said again and again that the successor will be decided by the people of the state. That is the natural result of these things," Patnaik said to news agency ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/watch-pm-modi-meditates-at-vivekananda-rock-memorial-in-kanyakumari-727346">WATCH: PM Modi meditates at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari</a>

Patnaik further dismissed claims of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, that Pandian is controlling the state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On being asked about "putting VK Pandian above other BJD leaders", Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik says "I find all of this quite nonsensical..." 
 
On VK Pandian, he further says "Party members have a great say, they have high positions, they are ministers, they are the people's… <a href="https://t.co/XigUlX4wS1">pic.twitter.com/XigUlX4wS1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796080173781266710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The BJD chief said all these allegations by BJP were ridiculous and hold&nbsp;no significance.

When questioned if his close aide takes all the decisions on his behalf, Patnaik said, "That is ridiculous and I have said it repeatedly. This is an old accusation and it holds no weight".

VK Pandian, a former Tamil Nadu bureaucrat, took voluntary retirement from the Indian Civil Services last year and joined the BJD.

Patnaik further stated that such allegations come due to BJP's increasing fear over their declining popularity in Odisha.

"I see it that they are getting more and more desperate, particularly as their popularity is fading in the country," Patnaik said.

Dismissing the speculation regarding his health, he said he is perfectly fine and had been campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-case-going-to-jail-to-save-india-from-dictatorship-says-kejriwal-as-surrender-date-nears-727364">Going to jail to save India from dictatorship, says Delhi CM Kejriwal</a>

The CM further said, his party would return to power for a record sixth term.

"We have been progressing in several fields, on education, on health. agriculture on irrigations of controlling national calamities programs for women. We have done a great deal and we intend to do much," he said.

Himanta Sarma on Thursday said that Pandian has a firm backdoor entry in running Odisha.

"I have watched Naveen Babu's interview to @ANI which was specifically intended to allay our concerns. Unfortunately, his well-rehearsed answers have ended up raising more questions. Naveen Babu was unable to answer why Mr Pandian was the only person to be seen with him; either holding his mike or controlling his hands," Sarma said in a long post on X.

"Naveen Babu's successor is irrelevant, as Mr Pandian already has a firm backdoor entry in running Odisha. He has pervasive control over the Chief Minister and Nabin Niwas. Naveen Babu failed to assure the people of Odisha that this will change," he stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-i-voted-against-dictatorship-says-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-725252">Lok Sabha elections 2024: I voted against dictatorship, says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal</a>

“Even after this interview, people of Odisha still do not know - why ministers/ bureaucrats have no direct access to the Chief Minister; does the Chief Minister physically sign on any file or Mr Pandian uses his digital signature; where is the key to Mahaprabhu’s Ratna Bhandar. These are among the several questions that remain unanswered,” Sarma further stated.

“When asked, in the unlikely event of BJD winning, will Naveen Babu continue for 5 years. His reply lacked a decisive yes. Either Mr Pandian has already selected the “successor” or more likely, even Naveen Babu knows BJP is winning hands down,” Sarma further added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have watched Naveen Babu’s interview to <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> which was specifically intended to allay our concerns. Unfortunately his well-rehearsed answers have ended up raising more questions. 
 
1) Naveen Babu was unable to answer why is that Mr Pandian the only person to be seen with him;…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (Modi Ka Parivar) (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1796158214322454795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (May 31) refuted the allegations that ex-bureaucrat VK Pandian is his successor.

Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik on Thursday (May 31) refuted the allegations that ex-bureaucrat VK Pandian is his successor. The people of Odisha will be choosing his successor, said the Odisha CM. "I have said again and again that the successor will be decided by the people of the state. That is the natural result of these things," Patnaik said to news agency ANI. WATCH: PM Modi meditates at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari Patnaik further dismissed claims of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, that Pandian is controlling the state. #WATCH | On being asked about "putting VK Pandian above other BJD leaders", Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik says "I find all of this quite nonsensical..." On VK Pandian, he further says "Party members have a great say, they have high positions, they are ministers, they are the people's… pic.twitter.com/XigUlX4wS1 — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2024 × The BJD chief said all these allegations by BJP were ridiculous and hold no significance. When questioned if his close aide takes all the decisions on his behalf, Patnaik said, "That is ridiculous and I have said it repeatedly. This is an old accusation and it holds no weight". VK Pandian, a former Tamil Nadu bureaucrat, took voluntary retirement from the Indian Civil Services last year and joined the BJD. Patnaik further stated that such allegations come due to BJP's increasing fear over their declining popularity in Odisha. "I see it that they are getting more and more desperate, particularly as their popularity is fading in the country," Patnaik said. Dismissing the speculation regarding his health, he said he is perfectly fine and had been campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. Also read: Going to jail to save India from dictatorship, says Delhi CM Kejriwal The CM further said, his party would return to power for a record sixth term. "We have been progressing in several fields, on education, on health. agriculture on irrigations of controlling national calamities programs for women. We have done a great deal and we intend to do much," he said. Himanta Sarma on Thursday said that Pandian has a firm backdoor entry in running Odisha. "I have watched Naveen Babu's interview to @ANI which was specifically intended to allay our concerns. Unfortunately, his well-rehearsed answers have ended up raising more questions. Naveen Babu was unable to answer why Mr Pandian was the only person to be seen with him; either holding his mike or controlling his hands," Sarma said in a long post on X. "Naveen Babu's successor is irrelevant, as Mr Pandian already has a firm backdoor entry in running Odisha. He has pervasive control over the Chief Minister and Nabin Niwas. Naveen Babu failed to assure the people of Odisha that this will change," he stated. Also read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: I voted against dictatorship, says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal “Even after this interview, people of Odisha still do not know - why ministers/ bureaucrats have no direct access to the Chief Minister; does the Chief Minister physically sign on any file or Mr Pandian uses his digital signature; where is the key to Mahaprabhu’s Ratna Bhandar. These are among the several questions that remain unanswered,” Sarma further stated. “When asked, in the unlikely event of BJD winning, will Naveen Babu continue for 5 years. His reply lacked a decisive yes. Either Mr Pandian has already selected the “successor” or more likely, even Naveen Babu knows BJP is winning hands down,” Sarma further added. I have watched Naveen Babu’s interview to @ANI which was specifically intended to allay our concerns. Unfortunately his well-rehearsed answers have ended up raising more questions. 1) Naveen Babu was unable to answer why is that Mr Pandian the only person to be seen with him;… — Himanta Biswa Sarma (Modi Ka Parivar) (@himantabiswa) May 30, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Is VK Pandian taking decisions on behalf of BJD? Naveen Patnaik responds

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik on Sunday met Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal and staked claim to form a government in the state for a fifth consecutive time.

Patnaik`s meeting with the Governor took place after newly elected BJD MLAs held a meeting in the state capital and elected the former as their leader.

Speaking to media, Patnaik said, "MLAs of BJD have elected me as the leader of their legislature party.

I am very grateful to them and I am now going to see the Governor.

"He also said that party MPs have been told to take "Odisha`s demands forward and work hard for the people".

Earlier in the day, newly elected BJD MPs also met with Patnaik in Bhubaneswar.BJD put up a tough fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and managed to retain 12 of the 21 seats in the state.

Patnaik won from two Assembly segments, Hinjili under the Aska Lok Sabha seat in southern Odisha and Bijapur in the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in western Odisha. While BJP won 8 seats in the state, one went to the Indian National Congress (INC).

The parliamentary elections saw stalwarts such as BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra being defeated by BJD`s sitting MP Pinaki Misra from the Puri parliamentary constituency. Patnaik`s party was able to contain the BJP, although it could not stop the national party from making inroads into its bastion.

Elections for the 147 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats were held simultaneously in the state.&nbsp;

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik on Sunday met Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal and staked claim to form a government in the state for a fifth consecutive time.

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik on Sunday met Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal and staked claim to form a government in the state for a fifth consecutive time. Patnaik`s meeting with the Governor took place after newly elected BJD MLAs held a meeting in the state capital and elected the former as their leader. Speaking to media, Patnaik said, "MLAs of BJD have elected me as the leader of their legislature party. I am very grateful to them and I am now going to see the Governor. "He also said that party MPs have been told to take "Odisha`s demands forward and work hard for the people". Earlier in the day, newly elected BJD MPs also met with Patnaik in Bhubaneswar.BJD put up a tough fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and managed to retain 12 of the 21 seats in the state. Patnaik won from two Assembly segments, Hinjili under the Aska Lok Sabha seat in southern Odisha and Bijapur in the Bargarh Lok Sabha seat in western Odisha. While BJP won 8 seats in the state, one went to the Indian National Congress (INC). The parliamentary elections saw stalwarts such as BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra being defeated by BJD`s sitting MP Pinaki Misra from the Puri parliamentary constituency. Patnaik`s party was able to contain the BJP, although it could not stop the national party from making inroads into its bastion. Elections for the 147 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats were held simultaneously in the state.

Odisha: Naveen Patnaik chosen leader of BJD legislative party, meets Governor

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

"I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back. I welcome him back to the party. His return will strengthen the BJD," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told media in Bhubaneswar.

Majhi quit the BJP after the party fielded wife of former BJP MLA Hitesh Bagarti, Rita, from the Khariar Assembly seat. Majhi had quit BJD in 2014 after he was denied a ticket.

Odisha will be going to polls in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23 and 29.

The state will be voting simultaneously for parliamentary and assembly constituencies.

There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats at stake in Odisha.&nbsp;

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back.

Duryodhan Majhi, sitting MLA from Khariar, on Saturday returned to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "I am glad that Duryodhan Majhi has joined back. I welcome him back to the party. His return will strengthen the BJD," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told media in Bhubaneswar. Majhi quit the BJP after the party fielded wife of former BJP MLA Hitesh Bagarti, Rita, from the Khariar Assembly seat. Majhi had quit BJD in 2014 after he was denied a ticket. Odisha will be going to polls in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23 and 29. The state will be voting simultaneously for parliamentary and assembly constituencies. There are 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats at stake in Odisha.

Lok Sabha 2019: After quitting BJP, Duryodhan Majhi returns to BJD

The Naveen Patnaik-led BJD Friday said it was not in favour of the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.

"Impeachment notice against the CJI should be given on rare occasion. There is no point in demeaning the post of the CJI," BJD spokesman and Odisha government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy told reporters Bhubaneswar.

Seven Opposition parties, led by the Congress, on Friday initiated an unprecedented step to impeach the Chief Justice of India, moving a notice accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority.

Leveling five specific allegations, leaders of the Opposition parties met Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and handed him over the notice of impeachment bearing signatures of 64 MPs and seven former MPs, who recently retired.

Misra is the 45th Chief Justice of India and the third from Odisha to occupy the country's highest judicial post.

Earlier, Justice Ranganath Misra (21st) and Justice Gopal Ballav Patnaik (32nd) have held the post.&nbsp

'Impeachment notice against the CJI should be given on rare occasion. There is no point in demeaning the post of the CJI,'BJD spokesman and Odisha government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy told reporters Bhubaneswar

The Naveen Patnaik-led BJD Friday said it was not in favour of the impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. "Impeachment notice against the CJI should be given on rare occasion. There is no point in demeaning the post of the CJI," BJD spokesman and Odisha government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy told reporters Bhubaneswar. Seven Opposition parties, led by the Congress, on Friday initiated an unprecedented step to impeach the Chief Justice of India, moving a notice accusing him of "misbehaviour" and "misuse" of authority. Leveling five specific allegations, leaders of the Opposition parties met Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and handed him over the notice of impeachment bearing signatures of 64 MPs and seven former MPs, who recently retired. Misra is the 45th Chief Justice of India and the third from Odisha to occupy the country's highest judicial post. Earlier, Justice Ranganath Misra (21st) and Justice Gopal Ballav Patnaik (32nd) have held the post.

BJD not in favour of impeachment motion against CJI