I’m an Odia, not an imported English Babu,” said Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Niranjan Patnaik on Saturday with an obvious dig at Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik.
He was reacting to the reports on choice of the people for the post of Chief Minister in favour of Naveen Patnaik on the basis a “survey” conducted by a TV channel a couple of days ago.
Niranjan Patnaik said he would accept the result of the survey if it is based on truth.
“I’m a political activist working for the people of the State for the last 40 years. My father was not a Chief Minister nor did I have any political backing when I entered into politics,” said Niranjan Patnaik, adding, “My dream is equal to any other Odia’s.”
He stated that he has completed his education from a village school, not from Doon school. The legends like Bhima Bhoi, Gopabandhu Das, Madhu Sudan Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher and Rama Devi are ideal persons for him, he said.
“Whatever support I got from the people of the State through the survey, I’m grateful for them,” added the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief.