Former Chief Minister of Odisha and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik stepped into his 80th year today, prompting a massive surge of well-wishes and political leaders arriving at Naveen Niwas to mark the milestone occasion.
Among the high-profile dignitaries, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati extended his heartiest greetings, wishing the veteran leader good health and long life. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also greeted Patnaik on his birthday.
Throughout the day, Naveen Niwas was abuzz with activity as senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders, current and former lawmakers, and key party office-bearers assembled to offer their respects. Prominent figures present included Rajya Sabha MPs Santrupt Misra and Sulata Deo, Bhubaneswar North MLA Sushant Rout, Bhubaneswar Central MLA Anant Narayan Jena, former minister Ashok Chandra Panda, senior leaders Debi Prasad Mishra, Prasanna Acharya, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, former Speaker Pramila Mallik, Arun Sahoo, and Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das.
Addressing the media outside Naveen Niwas, senior leaders reiterated that despite the political shift in the state, Patnaik continues to hold a permanent place in the hearts of the people of Odisha.
A Special Gesture for Student Leaders
In the evening, newly elected student union representatives from various colleges met Patnaik to extend their wishes. Encouraging the young leaders, the BJD supremo warmly referred to the victorious candidates as the “Real Gen-Z” and blessed them to continue doing good work for society and their institutions.
A Storied Legacy in Odisha Politics
Naveen Patnaik’s political journey began in 1997 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Aska constituency, subsequently serving as the Union Cabinet Minister for Mines in the 1998 NDA government. He entered the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2000 from the Hinjili constituency, taking charge as Chief Minister—a role he held continuously for nearly 24 years until June 2024.
Having served five consecutive terms as Chief Minister, Patnaik built a reputation for clean governance and welfare administration. Popular social welfare programs—ranging from the ₹1-a-kg rice scheme to the Mamata and Harischandra initiatives—solidified his lasting bond with the public. Senior party figures noted that Patnaik’s popularity remains unchanged, whether in government or as the Leader of the Opposition. Across the state, supporters lit lamps and held prayers wishing for his long life and well-being.
