Is Naveen Patnaik Handing Over BJD Responsibilities Due to Health Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Naveen Patnaik temporarily steps back from political duties.
- The Political Affairs Committee will manage operations.
- Patnaik will undergo treatment for cervical arthritis.
- Debi Prasad Mishra is coordinating party activities.
- Patnaik criticized the BJP’s governance record.
Bhubaneswar, June 18 (NationPress) In a notable turn of events within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), party president Naveen Patnaik has temporarily stepped back from his active political duties due to health concerns.
Recently, he has delegated his responsibilities to the influential Political Affairs Committee while he undergoes a planned cervical arthritis treatment in Mumbai.
According to an official communication issued from Sankha Bhawan, the daily operations of the party will be overseen by the Political Affairs Committee until his return.
Furthermore, Debi Prasad Mishra, the Senior Vice President (Headquarters), has been given the task of coordinating various activities and programs across multiple party wings.
“As I will be undergoing a procedure for cervical arthritis in Mumbai, the day-to-day affairs of Biju Janata Dal will be handled by the Political Affairs Committee during my absence. Also, Debi Prasad Mishra, Senior Vice President, Headquarters, will coordinate activities and programs between different wings of the party,” directed Patnaik.
This directive, signed by Naveen Patnaik, ensures the continued efficient operation of the party during his treatment.
The Odisha Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is set to travel to Mumbai for his cervical arthritis treatment on June 22.
In an announcement made via his ‘X’ handle on Wednesday, the BJD president stated: “As advised by medical experts, I will be undergoing a procedure for cervical arthritis on the 22nd of this month at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. My personal doctor, Dr. Ramakant Panda, is coordinating this in Mumbai. With the blessings of Lord Jagannatha and the good wishes of my brothers and sisters of Odisha, I look forward to returning soon to continue serving all of you.”
Interestingly, the BJD supremo also addressed party workers during the launch of a statewide Student-Youth Awakening Campaign held in Puri.
During this campaign, launched via a video message, BJD President Naveen Patnaik criticized the BJP government’s “One Year, Many Achievements” slogan, interpreting the administration's record as “One Year, Many Failures.”
He accused the BJP of coming to power through “false promises,” merely renaming and rebranding existing welfare schemes without achieving meaningful results.