Naveen Patnaik: An Astute Politician and Longest-Serving Chief Minister of Odisha

Naveen Patnaik: An Astute Politician and Longest-Serving Chief Minister of Odisha

Naveen Patnaik, the 15th Chief Minister of Odisha, has been a prominent figure in Indian politics for over two decades. Born on October 16, 1946, in Cuttack, Odisha, he is the son of Biju Patnaik, a former Chief Minister of the state. Naveen Patnaik has made significant contributions to Odisha's development and governance, earning both accolades and criticism along the way.


Political Journey and Leadership
- Founding the Biju Janata Dal (BJD): After his father's demise, Naveen Patnaik entered politics in 1997. That same year, he founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), named after his father. The BJD formed an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and won the state election, with Naveen Patnaik becoming the Chief Minister. Since then, he has held the post continuously, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister of Odisha.
- Five Consecutive Terms: Naveen Patnaik's remarkable feat lies in winning five consecutive terms as Chief Minister, a rare achievement in Indian politics. Only Pawan Chamling of Sikkim shares this distinction.
- Union Minister of Steel and Mines: Before becoming Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik served as the Union Minister of Steel and Mines from 1998 to 2000. During this period, he represented the Aska constituency in the Lok Sabha.

Recent Campaigning and Stance
- Seeking Blessings and Addressing Voters: Ahead of the state elections, Naveen Patnaik embarked on a series of meetings in southern Odisha. He urged people not to vote for "thieves" and sought their blessings for the upcoming polls. Interestingly, he asked voters to rate his welfare schemes and received an affirmative response. The conch symbol of the BJD became the focal point of his campaign.
- Targeting Alleged Wrongdoers: While not naming anyone directly, Naveen Patnaik's reference to "crooks" was likely aimed at BJP's Berhampur Lok Sabha candidate, Pradeep Panigrahi. Panigrahi had faced legal issues related to an alleged job scam but later secured bail. Other candidates with pending cases were also implicitly addressed.
- Opposition and Political Rivalry: Naveen Patnaik accused the Opposition of shedding "crocodile tears" for Odisha. His party, the BJD, has been campaigning vigorously, while the BJP has lined up senior leaders like Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for visits to the state.

 Legacy and Impact
Naveen Patnaik's leadership has left an indelible mark on Odisha's political landscape. His focus on welfare schemes, disaster management, and infrastructure development has shaped the state's progress. As he seeks another term, his legacy continues to evolve, and voters will decide whether to bless the conch symbol once again or choose a different path⁹.

In summary, Naveen Patnaik's journey from a writer to a seasoned politician has been marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to Odisha's growth. His impact extends beyond party lines, making him a central figure in the state's political narrative.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.