Naveen Patnaik re-elected for nine-term term in BJD; blames BJP’s “false narrative” for 2024 polls
Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik was re-elected as president of Biju Janata Dal (BJD), with his ninth straight record on Saturday. The former chief minister of Odisha has led the chief minister of the party in the region since its founding in 1997 and is the only nominee for the post.
Patnaik expressed his gratitude to the people of Odisha, “From 2000 to 2024, the people have provided us with opportunities to serve. It’s not just a political empowerment – a reflection of their trust in our governance.”
He reiterated his commitment to development, pride and dignity in Odisha, emphasizing that the BJD’s mission goes beyond election victory.
“Our dedication to public services remains, whether in power or not. Our workers are our true strength, and our disciplined grassroots cadres make us resilient.”
Patnaik also pointed to the party’s recent election setbacks, attributed some of the loss of key seats in 2024 to what he called “false narratives” during his campaign. He acknowledged the need to strengthen party communication, especially on social media, to deal with misinformation and maintain direct interaction with the public.
“BJD will always be united for the good of Odisha. Our journey is not just about building a government, but about maintaining the self-esteem and aspirations of our people,” he said.
Patnaik’s reelection sparked a mixed reaction throughout the political field. Despite the congratulations from leaders and good people, Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal provided a more important tone with his good wishes.
“I congratulate Naveen Babu on his behalf and hope he will prepare for future challenges, both politically and administratively,” Samar told reporters shortly after the announcement.
He continued to criticize the former BJD government, reaffirming the BJP’s allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency. Samar claimed: “Our focus is not just on political speech, but on reality.
Samar also believes that the recent election trend is evidence of the shift in the political environment in Odisha. “People are starting to see through the facade. The BJP has made huge gains in terms of voting share and public trust. Voters demand accountability and violate the status quo.”
Despite the sharp criticism, Samar insists that the BJP respects the democratic process and attaches importance to the role of strong opposition. He concluded: “Democracy thrives in accountability. The people of Odisha deserve to be heard, acted and developed government.”
