Gopalpur, May 9 -- 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 forthcomi...