First we should investigate the people spreading rumors about my health… Naveen Patnaik's reply to PM

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has strongly condemned the comment regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's health. In a public meeting, Prime Minister Modi alleged that Chief Minister Patnaik's health was deteriorating and proposed to set up a committee to investigate the matter. Expressing disappointment in his statement, Chief Minister Patnaik responded directly to the Prime Minister's comment. He said, “I believe the Prime Minister said in a meeting that I am not well and he wants to set up a committee to investigate the matter. He should have picked up the phone and asked me about my health if he was so worried and said openly that I am his good friend. Rumors are being spread about my health, the chief minister added, “There have been rumors about his health for the last 10 years, mainly by some BJP people. He said, “I understand that many BJP members have been spreading this rumor about my health for the last 10 years. I want to assure the Prime Minister that I am completely healthy,” he said. The Odisha Chief Minister suggested that a committee should be set up to inquire into the role of those spreading false rumours. He said that if the Prime Minister should set up a committee, the committee should inquire into the role of those spreading rumors about my health. He said the BJP's dismay at the constant rumors about his health reflected his ability to lead Odisha effectively. The report also highlights the political tension between the BJD and the BJP in view of the upcoming elections in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was campaigning for the elections in Odisha, had expressed concern over Naveen Patnaik's health. Responding to the Prime Minister's concern, the Odisha Chief Minister said that this is a false rumor and BJP is spreading such rumours.