Modi checks on Naveen's health

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who is in hospital since Sunday due to dehydration, to inquire about his health. The PM wished Naveen a speedy recovery and extended an invitation for a meeting in Delhi once he recuperates, according to a statement from the BJD president's office.

A spokesperson from Sum Ultimate Medicare hospital reported that Naveen is responding well to treatment and is in a stable condition.

While the official reason for Modi's call was to check on Naveen's health, political analysts feel the conversation may have also touched upon garnering support for the NDA's vice-presidential nominee, C P Radhakrishnan. With the India Bloc fielding B Sudershan Reddy, securing the backing of BJD, which holds six seats in Rajya Sabha, could only add to NDA's strength, despite its numerical advantage.

Earlier, defence minister Rajnath Singh had also reached out to the BJD president, seeking his support for the NDA candidate. However, Naveen is yet to reveal his stance. In 2022, BJD had supported the NDA's Jagdeep Dhankar as vice-president.