Bhubaneswar: In ongoing verbal fights between BJD and BJP during election campaigns in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik criticised the opposition leaders for using 'derogatory' language.

Sharply reacting to speeches made by some BJP leaders at public rallies for twin polls in Odisha, Patnaik termed it 'unfortunate'.

Speaking to PTI, he described the union ministers and BJP chief ministers as 'political tourists', who visit Odisha during elections only.

"This time there are some chief ministers and Union ministers, who come as political tourists only at the time of elections and then they disappear. Their speeches have no effect on the people of Odisha. And it's most unfortunate that many of them use derogatory and abusive language. I never believe in doing that and the people don't, here in our state, appreciate such language," the BJD supremo told the news agency.