BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik To Kick Off Padayatra on Birthday

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, a towering figure in Odisha politics, is to celebrate his 80th birthday today by taking part in a massive public outreach programme in the state capital.

Marking his return to active politics after a brief break due to health issues, Patnaik will join the BJD’s Jan Sampark Padayatra in Bhubaneswar’s Ganganagar area. This move is designed to strengthen the party’s grassroots connection and re-energize BJD workers across the city’s three Assembly constituencies.

Patnaik, who served as Odisha’s Chief Minister for a remarkable 24 years from March 2000 to June 2024, is credited with leading a stable government known for major reforms, poverty reduction, and transforming the state into a model of disaster resilience. His five-term tenure shaped two and a half decades of Odisha’s developmental journey. Following the BJD’s loss in the 2024 elections, Patnaik took on the role of Leader of the Opposition.

His decision to celebrate his 80th birthday by engaging directly with the people reinforces his commitment to public service and sends a clear message of renewed political activity to the state. Though his position has changed, Patnaik remains a profoundly respected voice in both state and national politics.