Balasore: A day after Narendra Modi launched a personal attack on BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik and called for his ouster, Chief Minister Patnaik exuded confidence Wednesday of winning once more as he invited the Prime Minister to attend the swearing-in ceremony after declaration of the Assembly results in Odisha.
Addressing a rally in this district, Naveen said in a cleverly-worded address, “BJD has already secured majority in the Odisha Assembly Elections 2019, thanks to the blessings of the people. I invite the Prime Minister to attend our swearing-in ceremony.”
It may be mentioned here that it is highly unusual for the soft-spoken four-term Chief Minister to respond to personal jibes or take a dig at anyone in public. While he has been self-assured about BJD’s performance in the polls, the sarcasm behind inviting the Prime Minister even before the results are out is not lost on anyone.
It should be stated here that while addressing a gathering in this district Tuesday, Modi had said he is sure of the Bharatiya Janata Party forming government in Odisha. This could have prompted Patnaik to respond in a sarcastic manner.
CM invites Modi for ‘swearing-in’
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during the election campaign in Balasore