Bhubaneswar, Feb 18: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today made public appearance amid rumours of his health condition.
The Statesman visited the Lingaraj Temple here and took stock of the ongoing Ekamra Project, beautification of the Shaivite shrine, and also offered prayers to the Lord.
On his way back to the carcade, CM stopped briefly to interact with the journalists outside the temple.
A journalist asked about the rumours about his health condition.
Making light of this, Naveen Patnaik replied: “Whenever there is an election, the rumours start that my health is not well. But I can assure all of you that I am in perfect health, very happy, and here to serve the people of Odisha.”
When asked if Opposition is spreading the rumours, Patnaik replied: “I don’t want to say anything more. As you know that the Model Code of Conduct is on, one shouldn’t speak too much. But whenever there are rumours, you can be assured the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is going to do very well.”
Speaking about the Ekamra Project, the CM said, “Touchwood… I think we will get all the permission and then we will beautify it more.”
5T Secretary VK Pandian, Twin City Police Commissioner Saumendra Priyadarshi, Bhubaneswar-Ekamra MLA Ashok Panda among others accompanied Patnaik during the visit to the temple.
