Samajwadi Party (SP) national president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav met Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Niwas on Friday afternoon.
The meeting was described as a courtesy call, but both leaders discussed several contemporary issues.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Akhilesh Yadav showered praise on Naveen Patnaik, calling him a senior leader who, along with his father Biju Patnaik, has made immense contributions to Odisha’s progress, especially in uplifting the poor and improving living standards.
“Naveen Babu has worked to change people’s lives and ensure they live with dignity. The development he has brought, particularly for the poor, is visible today,” Akhilesh said. He added that their fathers had worked together in the past and noted, “Today, both of us are fighting against the BJP.” He also reassured that Patnaik is in complete good health, and they had a warm, detailed conversation.
Earlier, shortly after landing at Bhubaneswar airport, Akhilesh launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of resorting to communal politics wherever it is weak and unable to fulfil election promises.
“Wherever the BJP is weak and cannot keep the promises made in its manifesto, it adopts the communal path,” he alleged. He emphasised that the Samajwadi Party does not indulge in divisive politics and instead takes everyone along. “Divisive politics must end,” Akhilesh asserted.
