"I see that they are becoming increasingly desperate, especially as their popularity is diminishing in the country," Patnaik asserted.
The chief minister also dismissed speculation regarding his health, stating that he is "perfectly fine" and had been actively campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections.
Furthermore, he reiterated his confidence that his party would return to power for a record sixth term, and that the BJD would secure a significant portion of the 21 seats in the Lok Sabha from the state. Patnaik emphasized that his priority remains ensuring the welfare of the people.
Meanwhile, BJP alleges that Pandian has held CM Patnaik 'hostage' and urges Odisha DGP to free him.
"We have made significant progress in various fields, including education, healthcare, agriculture, irrigation, and disaster management programs for women. We have accomplished a great deal, and we aim to achieve even more," he stated.
However, Himanta Sarma, who had previously alleged on multiple occasions that Pandian is in complete control of the state government, stated on Thursday that the latter has a firm "backdoor entry" in running Odisha.
The BJP leader further raised several questions, including whether Patnaik physically signs any files or if Pandian uses the CM's digital signature.
"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 seen with him, either holding his microphone or controlling his hands," Sarma said in a lengthy post on X.
Sarma further asserted that Patnaik failed to reassure the people of Odisha that Pandian would not be his successor. "Naveen Babu's successor is irrelevant, as Mr. Pandian already has a strong backdoor role in governing Odisha. He exerts pervasive control over the Chief Minister and Nabin Niwas. Naveen Babu failed to assure the people of Odisha that this situation would change," he stated.
The BJP leader also highlighted that the people of Odisha still lack clarity on why ministers and bureaucrats have "no direct access" to the CM.
"Does the Chief Minister physically sign any files, or does Mr. Pandian use his digital signature? Where is the key to Mahaprabhu's Ratna Bhandar? These are among the many questions that remain unanswered," he added.
Earlier this week, Sarma shared a video on his social media account accusing the ex-bureaucrat of holding Patnaik captive and even controlling the BJD leader's hand movements.
In the video, Pandian can be seen guiding the shivering chief minister on the dais while addressing a rally. Sarma expressed concern about the future of the state.
The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha are being conducted simultaneously in four phases, from May 13 to June 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.
Naveen Patnaik (77) has served as the Chief Minister of Odisha since 2000 and is the second-longest-serving CM of any Indian state.
