Odisha Politics / Naveen's Ganjam Visit Sparks Political Firestorm as BJP Hits Back

Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: A political war of words erupted ahead of BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s visit to flood-hit Ganjam district, with Odisha Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick and Baleshwar MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi questioning the timing of his tour.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Mallick said Naveen Patnaik should have visited affected people when they were facing hardship in the immediate aftermath of the floods. He argued that arriving eight days later had raised questions among the public.

“Naveen Babu would have done well to reach people during their time of distress. Now, after eight days, he is coming. People have started asking why he is visiting now,” Mallick said.

Also read: Flood ravages Asika: Govt records lost, crops and infrastructure damaged

He further alleged that an opposition party should work together with the government during times of disaster instead of merely criticising its actions.

The minister also defended the state government's flood management efforts, claiming that the administration had successfully handled the crisis and announced relief packages for all affected sections, from farmers to traders.

Responding to allegations that the floods were "man-made", Mallick said those making such claims should explain whether natural disasters that occurred during their tenure were also man-made.

Baleshwar MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi also took a swipe at the former Chief Minister, stating that Naveen Patnaik's visit itself was unusual.

“Naveen Babu generally does not visit such places. Since he is going now, he deserves thanks. Our ministers and MLAs have been continuously visiting affected areas, and perhaps that is why he is going. He is going to show people that he is still among them,” Sarangi remarked.

The comments came as Naveen Patnaik arrived in Ganjam on a day-long tour to assess the damage caused by the recent floods. During the visit, he is scheduled to inspect affected areas in Sheragada, Hinjili, Aska and Sorada. He is also expected to interact with local residents and hear their grievances related to the disaster.

Meanwhile, controversy surrounded the visit even before it began. "Naveen Go Back" messages were reportedly seen written on a road between Sheragada and Saunlei.

Earlier, "Naveen Missing" posters had surfaced at the Hinjili bus stand, leading to a police case. The fresh slogans triggered political debate, although the identity of those responsible for the writings remains unknown.