Naveen Patnaik--from greenhorn to history scripting politician

BHUBANESWAR: Once dismissed by his critics as a political novice, Orissa Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik on Saturday scripted history by registering a hattrick in Assembly elections, riding on his image as 'Mr Clean' and performance on the development front.

Patnaik, who entered politics in 1997 after his father the charismatic Biju Patnaik passed away, led the BJD to victory in the assembly elections in 2000 and 2004 in alliance with the BJP.

Often targeted by the opposition for his limited knowledge of Oriya, the 62-year-old writer-turned politician not only effectively sidelined senior leaders within the party but also marginalised the opposition Congress.

This time, after an acrimonious parting of ways with the BJP in the backdrop of the Kandhamal riots, Patnaik has proved that the BJD i a formidable political force by winning the polls, both in the assembly and Lok Sabha, hands down.

Only Congress leader J B Patnaik had been chief minister of the state thrice, but not for consecutive terms.

Patnaik, a bachelor whose political acumen has surprised friends and foes alike, has clearly defied anti-incumbency theories with his clean image standing the test of time.