Pandian criticism for BJD defeat unfortunate: Naveen Patnaik

Caretaker Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik defended his close aide VK Pandian on Saturday, responding to criticism aimed at BJD's chief election strategist following the party's recent electoral defeat. Naveen expressed his disappointment, calling the criticism of Pandian regrettable. For the first time since its formation, the BJD experienced defeat, securing only 51 out of 147 assembly seats and failing to win any of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state.