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

Naveen Patnaik, former chief minister of Odisha and BJD president. File | Image source: PTI

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was elected as president of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for the ninth consecutive time on Saturday (19 April 2025), calling on party workers to uncover false narratives of alleged false dominance of the BJP.

BJD’s organizational election return officer PK Deb announced that Mr Patnaik was party chairman at his state headquarters at the state legislative meeting held at his state headquarters in 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 against BJD. We should attack 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. The technology application is to illustrate the truth and facts, and without technology we cannot reach people.” Mr Patnaik has been the founding chairman of the party in the region and is the sole candidate for the post.

“The election of Patnaik as BJD president has no objection,” Deb said.

“No one should underestimate the organizational strength of our party. The spirit of the BJD workers is still high. They are our real assets,” said the BJD head in a veil attack on the ruling BJP.

Mr Patnaik said: “I am confident in the BJD workers, brothers and sisters. They are the answer to the publicity. They will spread the information about our service to every village and every village and city in Odisha.”

He described the period from 2000 to 2024 as the “golden age” because during these years, the BJD ruled Odisha.

Mr. Patnaik began his speech with the ode to the “Jai Jagannath” and his father, Biju Patnaik’s ideology continues to be the guiding principle of BJD.

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

Mr 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 the top priority of 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 President of BJD, the party’s regional leaders greeted Mr. Patnaik and provided him with flowers, paintings and “Anga Bastra” and “Maha Prasad” by Lord Jagannath.

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