Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has addressed BJP’s jibes about his trembling hands and efforts by his aide VK Pandian to conceal them, maintaining his characteristic composure. “I believe the BJP, known for making non-issues into issues, is discussing my hands. This will certainly not work,” said the 77-year-old, who faces increased scrutiny from the BJP amid simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Today, a video captured Mr. Pandian attempting to hide Mr. Patnaik’s trembling hands during a speech. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the video on X, formerly Twitter, expressing concern over Pandian’s control over Patnaik, hinting at an attempt to seize power in Odisha.
Sarma’s post read, “This is a deeply distressing video. Shri VK Pandian is even controlling the hand movements of Shri Naveen Babu. I shudder to imagine the control a retired bureaucrat from Tamil Nadu is exercising over Odisha’s future! BJP is determined to return the reins of Odisha to its people.”
Last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted Patnaik’s health, suggesting he should retire due to his “advanced age and health issues,” and promised a younger leader if BJP gains power.
Patnaik’s retort was sharp: “There is a limit to the lies the BJP can tell. As you can see, I am in very good health, and I have been campaigning for around a month all over the state,” he told ANI.
