Patnaik says no national party will get number to form govt

BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday claimed that trends from the three phases of polling held so far indicate no national party will get the required number to form government at the Centre. Patnaik's comment comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating at an election meeting in Balasore on April 23, that the BJP was certain to form government at the Centre on the basis of feedback received from the three phases of polling.

"Now, after the three phases of polling, it is clear that no national party will be able to form government on their own," the CM said, addressing a series of election rallies in Mayurbhanj district. Odisha will have a major role to play in the new government formation, he said, urging people to "bless" the his Biju Janata Dal, both in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Patnaik also accused Modi of visiting the state frequently only during elections. "The PM did not come to Odisha when people were suffering from natural calamities like flood and cyclone, but is visiting the state frequently to seek votes during election time," he said. The chief minister further alleged that the BJP was blocking disbursement of funds to farmers under the 'KALIA' scheme. "I assure that all eligible farmers will get their dues on the first day of the BJD government formation in the state," he said.