Claiming that the BJP is fast losing ground across the country, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday accused the saffron party of indulging in falsehood, lies and violence.
The BJP's main agenda is "lies, violence and hooliganism", Patnaik, who is also the president of Biju Janta Dal (BJD), said while addressing a series of election meetings in Jagatsinghpur district.
"The party fields criminals, who are on bail, as its candidates. This is against our culture. The people will give a befitting reply to the BJP. The party's downfall has begun across the country," Patnaik said.
Patnaik's statement has evoked sharp reaction from the BJP.
While addressing multiple rallies in Jajpur district, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "There has been rise in crime during Naveen's 19-year rule. We will bring in a new legislation to stop hooliganism, if the BJP comes to power."
While speaking to the people of Jagatsinghpur, where about 10,000 lives were lost in the super cyclone in 1999, Patnaik said, "The first-time voters may not be aware of the 1999 super cyclone which had devastated Odisha. At that time, we had to depend on other states for relief and rescue works. However, the situation has changed now."
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