Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik restated his party’s pledge to supply free power. The Chief Minister told the crowd at a sizable election rally in Rourkela that if the BJD is elected to power, residents won’t get electricity bills starting in July of this year.
“As of July, there won’t be any electricity bills. Free electricity will be provided by the BJD government. Is that something you are happy about? Apana mane khushi ta? The BJD president declared, “This will be Naveen Patnaik’s electricity guarantee,” pleading with the public to give the party’s nominees their unwavering support.
In addition to asking for comments on “sankha chinha,” the conch symbol for BJD, Patnaik also requested input on Mission Shakti, 5T School Transformation, Mamata, KALIA, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), and other welfare programs. Everyone in the room got up from their chairs and said “yes.” “Naveen Patnaik bhala ki?” Patnaik finally questioned. (Is Naveen Patnaik good?) to which the audience gave a similar, enthusiastic response.
The president of BJD charged that the opposition was disseminating information and lying. He went on to accuse the opposition of crying like crocodiles. He urged the populace to reject the arguments of the opposition.
