Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks suggesting that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government had reached its expiration date, Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik hit back dismissing Modi’s claim of the forming a government in Odisha as a mere ‘day dream’.

On Monday, Patnaik responded to PM Modi’s remarks during an interaction with his trusted aide VK Pandian, stating, “BJP has been daydreaming for many days.”

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Upon being questioned about BJP’s claims of winning in Odisha Pandian stated, “Naveen Patnaik will take oath as the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time between 11.30 am to 1.30 pm on June 9.”

In his first election rally in the state, Modi urged the people to give the BJP a chance to elevate Odisha to the position of the number one state in the country. Taking a veiled swipe at Patnaik, Modi said, “Odisha needs a CM who understands Odia language and culture.”

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“The BJP will form a double-engine government here after elections. The expiry date of the BJD government is June 4, 2024,” he remarked during the Berhampur rally.

PM Modi highlighted the BJP’s focus on good governance, citing examples like Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Chhattisgarh, where BJP-led governments have boosted development. He also stressed upon the party’s commitment to good governance.

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The Prime Minister also invoked President Droupadi Murmu, who also hails from Odisha, and expressed confidence of delivering the best for Odisha under her guidance.

The Odisha Assembly elections are scheduled in four phases, from May 13 to June 1, coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections. Vote counting will take place on June 4. In the 2019 Assembly election, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) secured 112 out of 146 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 23 seats, and the Congress managed to secure 9 seats.

During the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJD emerged victorious, winning the 12 seats in the state. The BJP followed closely with 8 seats, while the Congress secured just one seat.