Gopalpur: Intensifying election campaign for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidates ahead of the first phase of twin elections in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged people not to vote for 'crook' candidates.

Addressing a mega rally at Gopalpur in Ganjam district today, Patnaik called the candidates fielded by opposition parties as 'crooks' and appealed to the voters not to elect them.

"You all bless me, cast votes on conch symbol, bless the MP and MLA candidates of Biju Janata Dal, bless the honest candidates, but don't bless crook candidates," the BJD Supremo said.

He asked people about all the schemes and welfare programmes launched by his government and appealed to them for a 'thumb up' for the party in the forthcoming elections.

5T Chairman VK Pandian praised people for the 'overwhelming' response to BJD's rallies.

"After seeing the sea of crowd at this rally, I remember about past rallies in Berhampur where heavyweights had visited. There is a big difference between these programmes," he said mocking at BJP's programme in Berhampur where Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the place for campaign for the party's MP and MLA candidates for the ensuing polls.

"Your spirit and immense love for Chief Minister give a positive message. This shows that the BJD has 90% strike rate. By the blessings of people, this 90% will go up to 100% in 28 Assembly and 4 Lok Sabha seats in first phase of the polls," he said.

"This is your responsibility to give a befitting reply to opponents by voting for BJD candidates,", he said.

He termed the election manifestos of other parties for Odisha elections 'false promises' and said that the BJD will come up will its manifesto this evening.

"The election manifestos released by opposition parties have not been accepted by people of Odisha. Chief Minister will release his manifesto today evening keeping people's expectations in mind. Every household will be happy with the BJD's manifesto," he added.