Odisha CM begins exercises to check BJP rise in state

Odisha CM begins exercises to check BJP rise in state

By Suryanarayan Panda

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 18: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik has begun his exercises to hold the fort and retain power for the fifth consecutive term in 2019 general elections.

In the last two weeks, Odisha chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik – who has been in power in the state since 2000, – has held one-to-one meetings with dozens of elected representatives of the party to get their feedback on the organisation’s preparedness for the elections.

Besides legislators and elected representatives of local bodies, the CM has been meeting district observers, district presidents and other functionaries of the party.

According to senior BJD leader Mangala Kisan, the CM has asked the ward committee members to form sub committees and work towards party strengthening at the grassroots.

Expressing similar views Bimadhara Kunwar, Keonjhar district observer, on Sunday said all observers were asked to reach out to people and ensure that development schemes reached them.

Prashant Nanda, Sundergarh district observer, said, “The chief minister has asked everyone to work for the betterment of the party.”

Sources said the BJD chief has started short-listing of candidates ahead of the polls. He has also directed party leaders not to get flustered by criticism and work together.

Sources also informed that the CM has cautioned some MLAs that they would not get party tickets if they fail to improve party strength in their respective constituencies.