Naveen Patnaik
Chief Minister, Odisha- A writer by profession and a reluctant politician, Naveen Patnaik joined politics during his early 50s after his father and the former chief minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik, died in 1997
- A year later, the Janata Dal split and he became one of the founding members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a regional outfit named after his legendary father
- Subsequently, he was elected to the 11th Lok Sabha from the Aska constituency in Odisha
- In 1998, he was appointed as the Union Minister for Steel & Mines in the NDA cabinet
- When the BJP-BJD alliance won the Odisha Legislative Assembly elections in 2000, Patnaik was elected as the chief minister of Odisha for the first time
- The alliance was victorious again in 2004 and Patnaik continued as the chief minister of the state
- Despite breaking ties with the BJP, the BJD won a majority of the seats in the 2009 Lok Sabha as well as the Assembly elections and Patnaik returned for a third term as CM that year
- Since the elections in 2000, the BJD has always surpassed its previous numbers. Securing an even larger mandate than the previous elections, Patnaik returned to power as the CM of Odisha in 2014, untouched by the “Modi wave”
- He became the longest-serving chief minister of Odisha after getting a fifth term at the office in 2019
- What made him popular were measures like Re 1 kg rice and Rs 5 per meal schemes that became an instant hit with the masses
- His Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme benefitted 92 per cent of the state's farmers. The scheme provides financial, livelihood, cultivation support along with insurance support to small, marginal and landless farmers
- He came down heavily on dissidents as he sacked stalwarts like Bijoy Mahapatra, Pyari Mohan Mohapatra, close aide Baijayant Panda and Damodar Rout, a known Biju loyalist
- From chit fund scams to mining scandals, he has weathered many a controversy but remained the foremost leader of the regional outfit
- He is a strong proponent of 33% reservation for women and followed it by nominating BJD candidates for the 2019 Lok Sabha Polls
Before you go ...
- His father Biju Patnaik was the former chief minister of Odisha
- An avid traveller, Patnaik lived in the United States till the age of 50 and was friends with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and the former US first lady Jacqueline Kennedy
- During his initial years as a politician in Odisha, he was widely criticised for his inability to speak the Odia language
- Apart from Patnaik, only two other chief ministers — Jyoti Basu in West Bengal and Pawan Kumar Chamling in Sikkim — have held the post for five consecutive terms
- He has authored the books A Second Paradise: Indian Country Life 1590-1947, A Desert Kingdom: The Rajputs of Bikaner and Garden of Life: An introduction to the Healing Plants of India
- He is one of the founding members of the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage
Naveen Patnaik News
- Former BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray joins BJP, praised Modi's leadershipFormer BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has joined the BJP in New Delhi. Samantaray, a long-time associate of Naveen Patnaik, resigned from the BJD and Rajya Sabha on Monday, citing he was "systematically belittled." His departure follows that of two other BJD Rajya Sabha MPs who later secured BJP tickets.
- BJD MP Debashish Samantaray quits party, resigns from Rajya SabhaOdisha's Biju Janata Dal faces another blow as senior leader Debashish Samantaray resigns. He cited feeling sidelined within the party. Samantaray has also submitted his resignation from the Rajya Sabha. He is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party tomorrow. This move reduces the BJD's strength in the Upper House. The induction ceremony will see key BJP leaders present.
- Workers should receive minimum wage of Rs 800, says Naveen Patnaik; slams BJP over welfare "neglect"Naveen Patnaik, BJD leader, celebrated International Labour Day. He demanded a minimum wage hike to Rs 800. Patnaik stated the BJP government is not effectively implementing welfare schemes. He highlighted that frontline workers like Mission Shakti members, Bank Mitras, and ASHA workers are not receiving their due benefits. Patnaik emphasized workers are the nation's backbone.
- 3 bills against Odisha, oppose them: Patnaik to MPs from stateOdisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has appealed to all Members of Parliament from Odisha. He wants them to oppose a new bill in Parliament. This bill could reduce Odisha's representation in the Lok Sabha. Patnaik stated this would weaken the state's voice. He emphasized preserving the federal spirit of the Constitution.
- Naveen Patnaik opposes delimitation exerciseBJD chief Naveen Patnaik has opposed the proposed delimitation exercise, despite supporting the women's quota. He urged Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi to resist the Centre's legislative package, warning it could diminish the state's political voice. Patnaik highlighted that while Lok Sabha seats might increase, Odisha's relative representation would decline significantly.
- Odisha: Sasmit Patra resigns as leader of BJD parliamentary party in Rajya SabhaBJD president Naveen Patnaik accepted MP Sasmit Patra's resignation as Rajya Sabha parliamentary party leader following the defeat of a supported candidate amid cross-voting. The party suspended six MLAs for "anti-party activities." This follows Patra's earlier resignation from a committee in protest of BJP MP's remarks against Biju Patnaik.
- BJD stages walkout from Rajya Sabha over BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s remarks on Biju PatnaikBJD members staged a walkout from Rajya Sabha. They protested against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's remarks. Dubey called Biju Patnaik a CIA agent. BJD leader Sasmit Patra called the statements false and concocted. Naveen Patnaik suggested the MP needs psychiatric help. He recalled Biju Patnaik's role during the Chinese conflict.
- Rajya Sabha Polls: BJP making ‘big offers’ to poach Odisha MLAs, says Shivakumar as he hosts eight of them in BengaluruKarnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar alleges the BJP is attempting to poach Odisha MLAs with offers and threats for Rajya Sabha elections. Hosting eight first-time Odisha Congress legislators in Bengaluru, Shivakumar stated his commitment to protecting them from rival party influence, recalling similar efforts during past elections. The Congress is backing a joint candidate for the fourth seat.
- Patnaik cracks whip, suspends two BJD MLAs amid BJP gains in OdishaThe BJD has suspended two sitting MLAs, Sanatan Mahakud and Arvind Mohapatra, for anti-party activities. This move follows recent electoral setbacks for the party in Odisha. The suspensions aim to reinforce discipline and authority within the BJD. Mahakud has been openly critical, while Mohapatra's suspension was a surprise.
- Naveen Patnaik accuses Odisha BJP govt of ''betraying'' farmersBJD president Naveen Patnaik has accused the Odisha government of betraying farmers. He stated the paddy procurement system has collapsed, leaving farmers exploited and frustrated. Farmers are reportedly spending winter nights under open skies to sell their paddy. Patnaik also criticized the government's 'No PUC, No Fuel' policy as policy flip-flops.
- BJD president Naveen Patnaik alleged serious violations during silence period in Nuapada bypollOdisha Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik has raised serious concerns regarding violations during the Nuapada Assembly bypoll's silence period. He alleges that Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and workers from outside the constituency are attempting to influence voters unfairly. Patnaik also claims local Biju Janata Dal leaders have been detained by police, suggesting partisan administration.
- BJP, Congress, BJD line up heavyweights for campaign in high-stakes Nuapada bypoll in OdishaNuapada town in Odisha is gearing up for a high-profile bypoll campaign on November 11. Top leaders from BJP, Congress, and BJD, including three chief ministers and three former chief ministers, will campaign for votes. The election was necessitated by the death of a BJD MLA. Over 2.53 lakh voters will cast their ballots in this intense political contest.
- BJD forms committees for Nuapada by-poll, yet to name candidateThe Biju Janata Dal has formed three committees to strategize for the upcoming Nuapada assembly by-election. These committees will oversee the campaign, manage specific zones, and connect with local polling booths. The by-poll follows the death of BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia. The party aims to retain the seat, with speculation mounting that Dholakia's son may be the candidate.
- BJD President Naveen Patnaik congratulates Shirish Chandra Murmu on his appointment as RBI Deputy GovernorNaveen Patnaik congratulated Shirish Chandra Murmu on his appointment as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Murmu, currently an Executive Director, will serve a three-year term starting October 2025. Meanwhile, the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to cut policy rates by 25 basis points this Wednesday, driven by a downward trend in inflation.
- BJD demands full GST exemption on kendu leaf and handloom productsOdisha's BJD party wants no GST on kendu leaf and handloom items. They are asking the central government to make up for GST revenue changes. The party says tribal and dalit people who collect kendu leaves need this help. BJD has been asking for this exemption since 2018. They believe it will support poor weavers who make handloom products.
- Naveen Patnaik discharged after hospitalisation for dehydrationNaveen Patnaik, BJD president and former Odisha CM, left a Bhubaneswar hospital. He was treated for dehydration. V K Pandian accompanied him home. Patnaik thanked the people, hospital staff, and leaders for their support. PM Narendra Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wished him well. Modi invited Patnaik to Delhi. Several ministers also visited him during his stay.
- BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik stable, likely to be discharged on Monday: Hospital sourceBJD chief Naveen Patnaik, admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare in Bhubaneswar for dehydration, is now stable and expected to be discharged today. The 78-year-old leader has responded well to treatment, with his condition improving. He experienced uneasiness on Saturday night, prompting a home visit from doctors.
- BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik hospitalised, condition stableNaveen Patnaik, BJD chief and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly, was hospitalized in Bhubaneswar on Sunday due to dehydration. The 78-year-old former chief minister's condition is stable and he is responding well to treatment at SUM Ultimate Medicare. He had complained of uneasiness and had recently returned from Mumbai after undergoing spinal surgery.
- Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik slams govt for scrapping metro projectNaveen Patnaik criticizes the BJP government for halting the Bhubaneswar Metro project. He says it delays the city's progress. The previous plan was approved during Patnaik's term. The BJP defends its decision. They claim the old route was not practical. A broader Puri-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack route is now under consideration. A new plan is in progress to connect major cities.
- Odisha observes bandh over Balasore student's self-immolation caseOdisha Bandh Today: Opposition parties in Odisha called for a state-wide bandh to protest the death of a student who died by self-immolation after alleged sexual harassment. The bandh disrupted traffic and shut down shops in several areas. Protesters demanded a proper investigation and justice for women, while the BJD also protested, criticizing the state government's handling of the case.
- Lord Jagannath's 'Bahuda' Yatra: Chariot pulling beginsThe Bahuda Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Puri. Lord Balabhadra's chariot was pulled first. The Pahandi ceremony occurred early. Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deb performed the Chhera Pahanra ritual. Security was increased after a stampede. Many police and central forces personnel were deployed. CCTV cameras and drones monitored the crowd.
- 'Dragged out of his office, brutally kicked': Naveen Patnaik slams BJP over Odisha official's assaultNaveen Patnaik, former Odisha CM, has condemned the assault on a senior municipal officer. He targeted the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government. Patnaik demanded immediate action against those involved. He alleged the involvement of political figures. The BJD has staged protests. They are demanding swift action. Police have formed teams to investigate the incident.
- Naveen Patnaik becomes BJD president for 9th time, asks party workers to expose BJP''s ''false'' narrativeNaveen Patnaik, re-elected as BJD president for the ninth consecutive term, urged party workers to aggressively counter the BJP's alleged false narratives, particularly on social media. He emphasized leveraging technology to disseminate accurate information and highlighted the BJD's commitment to serving the people of Odisha, focusing on welfare, empowerment, and regional development, irrespective of being in power.
- Naveen Patnaik becomes BJD president for 9th time, asks party workers to expose BJP's ''false'' narrativeNaveen Patnaik secured his ninth term as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president. He addressed party workers at the Sankha Bhawan. Patnaik emphasized the need to combat the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) alleged misinformation. He urged increased social media presence to disseminate factual information. Patnaik highlighted the BJD's organizational strength and commitment to serving the people of Odisha.
- Patnaik files nomination paper for BJD president's post for 9th timeNaveen Patnaik submitted his nomination for BJD president at Sankha Bhawan. He is the only candidate. Patnaik has been BJD president eight times since 1997. He filed papers on Biju Patnaik's death anniversary. Patnaik said his government achieved development for Odisha. He criticized attempts to demean contributions of great sons. Manmohan Samal called Patnaik's remark politically motivated.
- Anger over Waqf Bill flipflop refuses to die down in BJD, Patnaik meets senior leadersBJD leaders are expressing discontent over the party's stance on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, leading Naveen Patnaik to convene meetings with senior leaders to address the situation. Young leaders have voiced concerns about supporting the BJP, fearing further electoral losses. Patnaik has assured that the party's secular image will be protected, especially with potential repercussions from Congress.
- Centre approves request of VK Pandian's wife for voluntary retirement from govt serviceSenior Odisha cadre IAS officer Sujata R Karthikeyan, known for her impactful contributions like Mamata Yojana and Mission Shakti, has been granted permission for voluntary retirement from government service effective March 2025. She also gained recognition for introducing eggs in mid-day meals and promoting sports among tribal youth.
- MK Stalin-led opposition CMs attend JAC meet, demand fair delimitationTamil Nadu CM MK Stalin led a Joint Action Committee meeting concerning the delimitation exercise, with participation from other state CMs. Officials voiced concerns about the potential unfair political advantage to northern states and emphasized a balanced approach. The BJP protested, calling it a 'political drama'.
- Ex-Union Minister Debendra Pradhan dies at 84, President Murmu, PM Modi mourn the passingVeteran BJP leader Debendra Pradhan, father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, passed away at 84 due to age-related ailments. A former minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and three-time president of BJP in Odisha, his death was widely mourned by political leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan, father of Dharmendra Pradhan, dies at 84Veteran BJP leader Debendra Pradhan, former Odisha BJP president and minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, has died at 84. He served efficiently as Union Minister for Transport and Agriculture from 1999 to 2001. Odisha's Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition expressed their condolences, highlighting Pradhan's contributions as a dedicated public servant and influential political figure.
- Many states demand rise of share to 50 pc from divisible pool: Aravind PanagariyaSeveral states requested an increase in their share of the central divisible pool from 41 per cent to 50 per cent, with Odisha expressing strong support for including cess and surcharges in the pool. Odisha also demanded adjustments in the weightage criteria for distributing funds and emphasized past neglect by the Centre.
- It's a welcome statement: BJD leader on Giriraj Singh's demand of Bharat Ratna to Naveen PatnaikBJD leader Amar Patnaik has welcomed Union Minister Giriraj Singh's suggestion to confer Bharat Ratna on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik for their substantial contributions. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also supports the call, emphasizing Nitish Kumar's integrity and development work.
- Union minister Giriraj Singh seeks Bharat Ratna for Nitish Kumar, Naveen PatnaikUnion minister Giriraj Singh urges Bharat Ratna awards for Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, praising their leadership and development achievements. Singh, known for his critique of Kumar, confirms NDA's plan to contest Bihar polls under Kumar's leadership despite RJD's criticisms.
- Ex-Odisha MLA Bijaya Mohanty no moreBijaya Kumar Mohanty, a former Odisha MLA, passed away. He was 60. Mohanty represented Bhubaneswar Central constituency twice. He served as a BJD MLA. He was admitted to Capital Hospital after falling unconscious. Doctors declared him dead. Tributes poured in from leaders. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed condolences.
- Naveen Patnaik asks party leaders to intensify fight against Polavaram project, BJD to launch stir in JanBiju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has directed party leaders to amplify their advocacy for Odisha's tribal communities facing displacement due to the Polavaram dam project. A BJD delegation voiced concerns to the Centre, highlighting potential submergence of villages and environmental damage.
- Odisha govt downgrades Naveen Patnaik's security to Y category: OfficialThe Odisha government has downgraded the security of Naveen Patnaik, the state's five-time former chief minister and leader of opposition, from Z to Y category. This decision came after a high-level committee's recommendation. Patnaik will now have only two constables at his service, with additional security provided during tours. The opposition BJD did not respond to this change.
- "Very touched...": PM Modi as Odisha tribal woman sends Rs 100 to 'convey thanks'Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude after a tribal woman in Odisha gave Rs 100 to BJP leader Baijayant Jay Panda to thank the PM for his work. This occurred during a BJP membership drive. Modi cited it as inspiration to keep working for a developed India. BJP ended BJD's 24-year rule in the 2024 state elections.
- Naveen Patnaik turns 78, greetings pour in from across IndiaNaveen Patnaik, former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Odisha, celebrated his 78th birthday with greetings from dignitaries like Governor Raghuvar Das and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The BJD organized blood donation camps across the state. Patnaik, who served as CM for five terms, was recognized for his contributions to Odisha.
- BJD calls BJP 'anti-tribal', slams Odisha government for stopping schemesThe opposition BJD has accused the ruling BJP of being anti-tribal and neglecting the tribal community by discontinuing several schemes initiated by the previous Naveen Patnaik administration. The BJP dismissed these allegations, asserting that the BJD failed to address tribal issues during its 24 years in power. Both parties exchanged accusations over tribal development and policies.
- Odisha CM Majhi orders judicial inquiry into army officer's custodial 'torture', 'sexual assault' of fianceeOdisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged torture of an army officer and sexual assault of his fiancee at a police station. The investigation will be overseen by Justice Chittaranjan Das, with a report due in 60 days. Five police personnel have been suspended.
- Odisha crime branch registers case over alleged sexual assault of the fiance of an Army officer; ex-CM Naveen Patnaik attacks BJP govtThe Odisha police crime branch has registered a case against former Bharatpur police station in-charge and others for allegedly assaulting an Army officer's fiance while in custody. The incident, which occurred during an attempt to file a road rage complaint, has sparked political controversy and demands for a judicial inquiry.
- Former BJD MP Sujeet Kumar joins BJP, says impressed by PM Modi's visionFormer BJD Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar has joined the BJP after being expelled from his party for anti-party activities. Kumar resigned from the Upper House and was welcomed into the BJP by senior leaders, including Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan. BJD chief Naveen Patnaik stated that Kumar had let down the party and the people of Kalahandi district.
- Odisha govt to investigate construction of 450 helipads for VK Pandian's ridesOdisha's law minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, declared a probe into the expenditures surrounding V K Pandian's helicopter rides last year. The focus is on the usage of government funds for constructing 450 helipads for Pandian's visits. This follows allegations by RTI activists of misuse of public resources and calls for clarity on authorization.
- Odisha CM announces reward of Rs 15 lakh for each player following Indian hockey team's bronze medal triumph at Paris OlympicsOdisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the Indian men's hockey team for their bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics and announced a reward of Rs 15 lakh for each player. India secured the medal with a 2-1 victory over Spain, thanks to a brace from skipper Harmanpreet Singh and crucial saves by PR Sreejesh. This victory marks India's first consecutive bronze hockey medals in 52 years since the 1972 Munich Games.
- Harvard-educated Odisha DIG-rank IPS officer suspended for misbehaving with inspector in BhubaneswarThe Odisha government suspended DIG-ranked IPS officer Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao following allegations of misconduct with a woman inspector in Bhubaneswar. The officer had recently returned from a course at Harvard. The suspension was ordered by the Chief Minister based on a confidential report submitted by the DGP.
- BJD joins opposition against govt, YSR Congress slams Opposition for disrupting PM Modi's speechDuring the first session of Parliament in Modi government's third term, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) aligned with the opposition, criticising the ruling party, while the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) maintained a supportive stance towards the Centre. Both parties, facing recent setbacks, hold significant influence in the Rajya Sabha.
- 'No more support to BJP': Naveen Patnaik asks BJD Rajya Sabha MPs to emerge as strong oppositionBJD president Naveen Patnaik urged his party's nine Rajya Sabha MPs to be a robust opposition in the upcoming Parliament session starting on June 27, emphasizing the need to advocate for Odisha's interests effectively. The MPs plan to address issues like special status, coal royalties, and infrastructure deficiencies in the state, vowing to oppose the BJP-led government and fight for Odisha's rights.
- Naveen Patnaik-led BJD to push for Special Category Status for Odisha in ParliamentThe Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided to renew its push for Special Category Status for Odisha. This decision emerged after a meeting chaired by BJD president Naveen Patnaik and attended by all nine of the party's Rajya Sabha MPs. The Special Category Status is sought to secure more financial assistance from the central government, which could significantly aid Odisha's development.
- After 24 years, former CM Naveen Patnaik takes new role; appointed LoP in Odisha AssemblyFollowing his first electoral defeat since 2000, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is now poised to assume the role of Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly. Alongside him, Senior MLA Prasanna Acharya has been appointed as the deputy leader of the opposition, and former speaker Pramila Mallik will serve as the chief whip of the opposition in the House. Additionally, Patnaik has designated Pratap Keshari Deb as the deputy chief whip of the opposition in the assembly.
- CM Majhi, DyCMs, Naveen Patnaik take oath as member of Odisha AssemblyChief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Ministers KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, along with BJD President Naveen Patnaik, were sworn in as members of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. Pro-tem Speaker Ranendra Pratap Swain administered the oath of office to the newly elected MLAs, including both the chief minister and Patnaik.
- Mohan Charan Majhi takes oath as Odisha CMMohan Charan Majhi becomes Odisha's 15th CM, sworn in at Bhubaneswar's Janta Maidan with PM Modi and BJP leaders present. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida appointed deputy CMs. Majhi, a tribal leader, began as a Sarpanch, later rising in BJP ranks. Known for advocacy and facing controversies, he's now tasked with governance.
- Protecting Odisha's 'Asmita' will be govt's priority, says CM-designate Mohan MajhiFour-time MLA Mohan Charan Majhi is set to be sworn in as Odisha's CM today evening. Two deputy chief ministers; first-time MLA Pravati Parida and six-time legislator Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo will also be sworn in today. "The new government will take oath today. The first job after taking the oath is to work to protect Odisha's 'Asmita' (pride)," Majhi told reporters on Wednesday.
- Criticism of Pandian unfortunate, he did excellent job, says Naveen Patnaik"As an officer, he (Pandian) did an excellent job in different fields in the last 10 years, be it during two cyclones or the COVID-19 pandemic. After this good work, he retired from the bureaucracy and joined the BJD and contributed largely by doing an excellent work. He is a person of integrity and honesty and should be remembered for that," Patnaik said.
- New Odisha Chief Minister: Preparations for swearing-in ceremony in full swingNDA leaders including Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, Minister Amit Shah, and others are likely to attend the event. After suffering a significant defeat in the State Assembly and Parliamentary elections, the 24-year tenure of BJD chief Naveen Patnaik as Chief Minister of Odisha concluded. He submitted his resignation to Odisha Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday last.
- Odisha's public created history by defeating Naveen Patnaik- led govt, says BJP's Pratap Singh SarangiJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi expressed joy over BJP's significant victory in the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha Elections in Odisha. The win ended Naveen Patnaik's reign as Odisha CM as BJP won 78 Assembly seats out of 147, and secured 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats. Sarangi credited PM Modi for the victory, promising to prioritise manifesto issues once the government is established.
- Naveen Patnaik seeks to boost morale of BJD leaders, assures them of leading from frontIn a bid to uplift the spirits of the defeated party leaders, BJD president Naveen Patnaik reassured them of his unwavering leadership during a meeting held at his residence, Naveen Niwas, in Bhubaneswar. Despite losing power in Odisha after 24 years and failing to secure a majority in the state assembly as well as any Lok Sabha seats, Patnaik expressed his commitment to guiding the party forward.
- Naveen Patnaik: A reluctant politician steps out after two decades in gen shiftAfter 24 years as Odisha's chief minister, Naveen Patnaik steps down, marking the end of an era. He led the state's transformation from post-cyclone recovery to a hub of aspiration. Unlike many, Patnaik focused on Odisha, not national politics. His tenure saw challenges, including a political coup, which he deftly handled. Known for welfare schemes and development, he made Odisha an industrial hub. While facing recent challenges, his legacy as a regional leader remains strong, influencing politics beyond Odisha.
- Modi ends 24-year reign of Naveen Patnaik in Odisha: Three reasons behind BJD's downfallThe BJD, which has been in power in Odisha since 2000, was stunned by the saffron surge in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Naveen Patnaik-led party, which had won 113 seats in the assembly in the 2019 elections, managed to get only 51 seats, followed by Congress with 14 seats, CPI(M) with one seat, and Independents with three seats.
- The BJP has breached these citadels for future gainsLok Sabha Election Results: The BJP faced a potential defeat in Uttar Pradesh but achieved some significant victories. Notably, the party established dominance in Odisha, made inroads in Kerala with strategic outreach, struggled in Tamil Nadu despite increased vote share, and saw a major vote share surge in Punjab despite facing protests.
- Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik resigns after electoral defeat, BJP to form new govtNaveen Patnaik Resign: After suffering a massive defeat in the State Assembly and Parliamentary elections, the 24-year-old tenure of Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik concluded as he submitted his resignation to the Odisha Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. While BJP secured 78 seats.
- Lotus blooms in Odisha. Who could be first BJP chief minister of the state?The BJP is leading in 79 assembly seats in Odisha, challenging the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the state elections. The anti-incumbency factor against BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik is a key element in the BJP's strong performance. Jual Oram, Baijayant Panda, Sambit Patra and Dharmendra Pradhan are seen as potential chief ministerial candidates of Odisha if BJP storms to power in state elections,
- In the early trends, BJP set to form government in OdishaBJP made Odia Asmita and Odia Pride the poll issue during the election campaign and that seems to be working in favour of the party. A major setback has also come for the BJD in the Lok Sabha elections with the party leading on only two seats in the state. BJD has managed to maintain a lead in Jajpur and Kandhamal seat while BJP is leading on 18 seats. Congress has managed to retain the Koraput seat which it won in the 2019 elections.
- Odisha Assembly Election 2024 Winners List: Naveen Patnaik on the way out as BJP crosses majority markOdisha Assembly Election 2024 Winners List: Patnaik’s BJD has been a dominant player of state politics for over two decades, with the incumbent government presenting poverty alleviation and disaster management among its major achievements. Fondly called as Naveen Babu, Patnaik is the second longest serving CM in India, with his party going from strength to strength since 1997.
- Odisha Assembly Election Results Exit Polls 2024 Live Updates: Tight race between BJP and BJD in Naveen Patnaik bastionThe India Today-Axis My India exit poll suggests significant gains for the BJP in Odisha, with projected seats ranging from 62 to 80 in the 147-seat Assembly. Similarly, the BJD, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, is anticipated to secure 62 to 80 seats, marking a notable decrease from their previous tally. If accurate, this would be the first time since 2004 that the BJD fails to secure an outright majority.
- Puri firecracker explosion: Toll mounts to eight, 22 others undergoing treatmentThe death toll in the explosion of a firecracker stockpile in Odisha's Puri rose to eight with two more casualties. The explosion took place during Lord Jagannath's Chandan Jatra. 30 people were injured, with 22 still receiving treatment. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordered an inquiry and offered Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to each victim's family. Officials are investigating the incident, with Puri Police filing a criminal case.
- Special committee to be formed to investigate Naveen Babu's deteriorating health after June 10, says PM ModiThe chief of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Rajkot game zone fire, which killed 27 people, announced that they have been authorized to question senior IAS and IPS officials if necessary. This decision follows a review meeting with Gujarat's Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi. The Rajkot collector also confirmed that DNA samples of all victims have been matched with their relatives.
- Why Election Commission has suspended Naveen Patnaik's special secretary DS KuteyNaveen Patnaik: The Election Commission of India (ECI) suspended D S Kutey, special secretary to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, for election interference. Kutey, a 1997 batch IPS officer, must report to the Office of Resident Commissioner, Odisha, in New Delhi. The ECI also ordered a medical examination for IPS officer Ashis Singh and called for a probe into BJP candidate Prasanta Jagadev’s alleged EVM damage.
- "Should I take care of relationships or worry about Odisha's future?": PM Modi on not allying with PatnaikPM Modi is confident of BJP forming a government in Odisha, where assembly elections are being held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. Modi said that he prioritised Odisha's welfare over personal relationships, and criticised the current bJD government's lack of progress. He predicted a BJP Chief Minister in Odisha by June 10.
- BJP's Jay Panda tries to break through Biju Patnaik's Kendrapara bastionKendrapara in Coastal Odisha has been a stronghold of socialist and anti-Congress ideologies since the 1950s. It has been the epicenter of the socialist movement in the state, which opposed the Congress after the first Lok Sabha elections in 1952. The party won 20 of the 21 LS seats, including Kendrapara, in 1980 and 1984. In the late 70s and early 80s, Kendrapara became the constituency of Biju Patnaik, the father of current chief minister Naveen Patnaik.