ODISHA CM PATNAIK ELECTED BJD CHIEF FOR SEVENTH TIME
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday was elected as the president of the Biju Janata Dal for the seventh consecutive time. Announcement of his election was a mere formality as he was the only one to file nomination paper for the post. Patnaik has been the president of BJD since its inception in December 1997.
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday was elected president of Biju Janata Dal for the seventh consecutive time. Announcement of his election was a mere formality as he was the only one to file nomination paper for the post.
“I thank all members of BJD for re-electing me. With the blessings of the people of Odisha and your cooperation, I have sincerely performed my responsibility and will continue to make Odisha stronger in future,” said Patnaik, who has been the president of BJD since its inception in December 1997.
Patnaik said the aim of BJD is to create a self-respecting and prosperous Odisha and the regional party’s struggle against the “historic negligence” towards the state (by the centre) has earned the trust of the common people. On the other hand, he said, the welfare measures carried out by the BJD government has touched people’s heart.
Till the 69-year-old Patnaik reached the age of 51, very few in Odisha knew about him; even fewer had seen his face. He came to politics, and Odisha, in 1997 after the death of his father, former state chief minister Biju Patnaik.
Analysts attribute Patnaik’s success to his complete understanding of minimum basic requirement of multitude of poor in the state – the backbone of his vote bank – Odia psyche and command over the art of silence.