Amid debate over his successor in view of his advancing age and health, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday said he would continue to serve the state till the end of his life.
Patnaik, who turned 79 Thursday, joined the BJD’s Jan Sampark Padayatra outreach programme in Bhubaneswar — his first public appearance in six months.
“The BJD belongs to the people of Odisha. I’m always with you and will continue to remain so. I will continue to serve Mother Odisha till the end of my life,” said the former chief minister, amid loud cheers from the crowd that joined the padayatra.
The annual outreach, which began on the birth anniversary of Odia social reformer Gopabandhu Das on October 9, will continue until November 9. The regional party — dislodged from power last year after 24 years — plans to reach every panchayat during the padayatra “to create awareness on the failure” of the state’s BJP government.
BJD sources said Patnaik’s words were a clear indication that he intends to remain at the helm of the party. The messaging is also significant amid recent dissent among some leaders over certain decisions.
As the former chief minister recovers from a surgery he underwent in June at a private hospital in Mumbai, his reduced involvement in the party’s day-to-day affairs has created a vacuum within the BJD.
“Everyone in Odisha knows that Naveen Babu is the most popular leader till date, no matter whether he is in power or not. Even though there were some rumblings within the BJD over certain decisions, nobody questioned Patnaik’s leadership. If he is around and involved in day-to-day matters, the future of the BJD is bright,” said a senior party leader.
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Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra said the turnout at the padayatra reflected people’s love for Naveen Babu for his work for the state and its people.
After attending the padayatra, Patnaik visited a child care centre in the city to celebrate his birthday with children. Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and others also wished Patnaik on his birthday, which was celebrated across the state by the BJD.
