BJD supremo and popular former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has turned 79 today. His political journey, many victories and successes are forever remembered.
Naveen Patnaik is a name that symbolizes passion and pride for every person in Odisha. Even today, Naveen is ruling the hearts of crores of people in Odisha. His unique role in the political landscape of Odisha for the past 25 years is unparalleled.
Naveen Patnaik was born on 16 October 1946. He is the son of famous freedom fighter, former Chief Minister of Odisha and international personality Biju Patnaik. Naveen, who achieved fame in politics, was not interested in politics from the beginning. He spent his life in Delhi and abroad as a lover of literature, art and culture.
After the demise of Biju Patnaik in 1997, Naveen entered politics and won the Lok Sabha elections. This experience took a turn for his life. He also founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which is today considered the leading political party in Odisha. Naveen, who came to Odisha politics under duress, eventually became a symbol for the people of Odisha. Naveen established himself as a leading and best Chief Minister in the entire country by giving Odisha a special identity.
Naveen Patnaik became the Chief Minister of Odisha for the first time in 2000. From then until 2019, he was the only leader in the country to have been the Chief Minister for five consecutive terms. Under his leadership, the BJD won consecutive elections in 2000, 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
There were many reasons behind his victory, such as his people-oriented policies, good governance and corruption-free administration, women empowerment, Kalia Yojana for the upliftment of farmers, and a sincere Chief Minister who stood by the people in times of trouble. Naveen was able to save Odisha from the clutches of a terrible natural disaster like the Great Cyclone and make Odisha a model state in the country in storm management.
Naveen Patnaik’s personal life is very simple. He is not married, lives a simple life, and has dedicated every moment of his life to serving the people of Odisha.
His calm, humble and naturally strong leadership sets him apart from other politicians. He does not indulge in much publicity or political rhetoric; rather, he has won the hearts and minds of the people through his work.
Naveen Patnaik is now 79 years old. The natural question arises: “Who will be his successor?” But Naveen has made this question inevitable and has structured the party in such a way that leadership is the system. He has always given priority to development, good governance and the interests of the state, for which he has consistently received the blessings of the people.
Naveen Patnaik’s life and political journey make it clear that leadership is not limited to words alone, but also in action and policy. His immense tolerance, strong vision and dedication to the people have made him one of the best Chief Ministers of the country. His unparalleled leadership and service attitude will surely be written in golden letters in the history of Odisha.
