Naveen Patnaik becomes BJD president for the 9th time, demanding party workers to reveal BJP’s “false” narrative

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was elected as BJD President for the ninth consecutive time, called on party workers to uncover alleged false narratives of the ruling BJP. BJD’s organizational election return officer PK Deb announced Patnaik as party chairman at a state assembly meeting held by its state headquarters Sankha Bhawan.

Speaking to the party leaders and workers after being appointed as BJD President, Patnaik said: “Even if our party gets more votes, we admit that we failed in the last rally election. This is because we cannot effectively oppose false narratives. Creating false narratives is the main strategy for BJD. We should actively aggression against BJD. We are positive on social media, especially on social media.”

The leader of the Odisha parliament opposition also said: “We need to improve the existence of social media. Technology application is used to illustrate the truth and facts, and without technology we cannot reach people.”
Patnaik has been the founding chairman of the party in the region and is the sole candidate for the post.

“Patnaik’s election as BJD president has no objection,” Deb said.

The BJD head said in a veil attack on the ruling BJP: “No one should underestimate the organizational strength of our political party. The spirit of the BJD workers is still high. They are our real assets.” Patnaik said: “I am full of confidence in the BJD workers, brothers and sisters. They are the answer to the propaganda. They will spread information about our service to every village and every village and city in Odisha.” He described the period 2000-2024 as a “golden age” because during these years, the BJD ruled Odisha.

Patnaik began his speech with the ode to “Jai Jagannath” that the ideology of father Biju Patnaik continues to be the guiding principle of BJD.

“Our principles and ideals are our strength. Biju Janata Dal has been serving the people of Odisha and will continue to do so,” he said.

Patnaik claimed that the welfare of the people of Odisha was the focus of the BJD, saying that empowering women, farmers, youth, workers, tribes and regions to develop was a priority for his party.

He said: “BJD has been working for the pride of Odisha and the interests of the country. We fight for the rights of the people of Odisha. The pride of Odisha and the interests of the people are crucial to us.”

Once his name was declared BJD President, the party’s regional leaders greeted Patnaik and provided him with flowers, paintings and Lord Jagannath’s “Anga Bastra” and “Maha Prasad”.

Deb added that the party’s State Department has 355 members, 80 of which were elected as state executives.