'No idea why': Naveen Patnaik shrugs off Giriraj Singh's Bharat Ratna proposal

Naveen Patnaik, BJD chief, has given a reserved response regarding Union Minister Giriraj Singh's proposal for awarding Bharat Ratna to him and Bihar's Nitish Kumar. Singh praised both leaders' significant contributions to their states. Despite strained relationships between the BJD and BJP, BJD's Amar Patnaik welcomed Singh's statement, acknowledging Naveen Patnaik's dedicated service to Odisha.

Naveen Patnaik on Bharat Ratna recommendation Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik gave a reserved response on Thursday on BJP's union minister Giriraj Singh 's proposal for the former Odisha chief minister to be awarded Bharat Ratna. On being questioned by reporters about the recommendation, Patnaik said, "I have no idea why he did that." The response followed Singh's Wednesday announcement proposing Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, for both Patnaik and Nitish Kumar .

Singh told reporters, "Nitish Kumar has contributed significantly to the state's development. Naveen Patnaik has also served Odisha with dedication for many years. Individuals like them deserve recognition with awards such as the Bharat Ratna.

" BJD member Amar Patnaik endorsed this proposal stating, "It's a welcome statement.. Naveen Patnaik has been working for the people of Odisha for the last 24 years with devotion and sincerity.

If this recognition comes, we will welcome it. Whether this recognition comes or not, Naveen Patnaik is above all this." The proposal came as a surprise given the strained relationship between the parties after the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Despite initial alliance discussions for Lok Sabha, BJP gained ground over BJD following failed negotiations. In the state assembly, BJP challenged Patnaik's governance since 2000, crushing his chance to become the country's longest-serving chief minister. Amid recent differences of opinion, Patnaik criticised Amit Shah's comments about Ambedkar as "very unfortunate".

Also, BJD is echoing Congress on the EVM-ballot paper issue. Patnaik indicated his party's support for ballot paper voting, whilst stating they haven't decided on 'One Nation One Election', pending further study of implementation details. As for the elections, BJD has raised questions claiming discrepancies and filed a complaint with the Election Commission regarding "unusual" voting pattern differences between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Odisha assembly polls.

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