Bhubaneswar, May 7: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and the party’s political strategist VK Pandian issued a challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today, urging them to announce their Chief Ministerial candidate for Odisha.

Addressing a public gathering in Khallikote of Ganjam district, Pandian took aim at the saffron party, asserting that they wouldn't secure even 10 percent of the vote if they put forward a CM candidate.

"Some individuals believe that Naveen Patnaik won't receive the people's support and thus won't retain the position of Chief Minister. They are merely indulging in wishful thinking. The opposition party remains silent when questioned about their CM candidate for Odisha," he remarked.

"Over the past decade, a Union Minister has harbored aspirations to lead Odisha. However, his own party hesitates to endorse him as the CM candidate, displaying a lack of trust. If his own party lacks confidence in him, how can he expect to earn the trust and blessings of the people of Odisha?" Pandian queried.

"The Union Minister has repeatedly asserted that Naveen Patnaik has held power for 24 years and implores voters to give the BJP a chance. Fine, but first, reveal your CM candidate. The people of Odisha deserve to see the face of your CM candidate before offering their support. They will then make a choice between Naveen Patnaik and your CM candidate," the senior BJD leader emphasized.

"I challenge the opposition party to unveil their CM candidate if they possess the courage. I dare them to declare their CM candidate for Odisha, and I assert that they will not secure even 10 percent of the vote if they do," Pandian declared boldly while rallying support for BJD candidates.

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