Nuapada By-election: BJD Alleges ‘Deliberate Delay’ in Naveen’s Flight Clearance

Bhubaneswar/Nuapada: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today alleged that party President Naveen Patnaik’s aircraft was intentionally delayed at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, resulting in nearly 70 minutes of hold time before takeoff.

The party claimed that the delay disrupted his scheduled roadshow and campaign programmes in Nuapada district.

Senior BJD leaders termed the incident “not a routine procedural hold, but an intentional obstruction,” alleging that the clearance delay was aimed at hampering Naveen’s campaign momentum in the Nuapada by-election.

Airport authorities, however, have not yet issued any statement explaining the cause of the delay.

Despite the setback, Naveen flew to Nuapada as planned and is scheduled to address public meetings at Khariar Road, Nuapada NAC, and Parakoda in support of BJD candidate Snehangini Chhuria.

Before departure, the BJD President thanked the people of Komna for the overwhelming response to his November 3 rally and launched a strong attack on the BJP government.

“This government has betrayed the people of Nuapada, the BJD, and even me,” Naveen said, accusing the BJP of “stealing votes to form the government” and now “resorting to new methods to obstruct the campaign.”

The people are hurt, angry, and aware. On November 11, Nuapada will give a fitting reply through their votes, he added.