“I am happy to be here and grateful for the full-fledged support of BJD led by Chief Minister Naveen babuji,” Kovind told media persons.
The former Governor of Bihar also asserted that he enjoyed the Odia cuisine served to him by the BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Kovind had arrived here by a special flight at around 11.30 AM. He met BJD MLAs and MPs at the State Assembly conference hall for around one hour before going to Naveen Nivas for lunch in the company of Union Health minister JP Nadda.
Kovind met BJP MLAs of the state at senior leader K V Singhdeo’s house at 2.50 PM before his departure.
Kovind’s meeting with BJD leaders is a mere formality as the ruling party in Odisha has already pledged its support to the NDA’s presidential nominee.