Naveen Patnaik was the second-longest-serving Chief Minister in India, after the Pawan Chamling of Sikkim Democratic Front
New Delhi, 6 May 2024
End of an Era
In a momentous shift in Odisha’s political landscape, Naveen Patnaik, one of India’s longest-serving and most influential regional leader, resigned from his position as Chief Minister today. The resignation was tendered to Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, marking the end of an era that lasted nearly a quarter of a century.
BJD Falls Short
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Patnaik’s party, secured only about 50 seats in the 2024 Assembly elections, falling well below the majority threshold of 74 seats in the 147-member Assembly. This significant setback ends the uninterrupted dominance that the BJD enjoyed under Patnaik’s leadership.
Legacy of Leadership
For the past 24 years, Naveen Patnaik has been synonymous with Odisha’s political scene. With tenure of 24 years and 91 days, Patnaik was the second-longest-serving Chief Minister in India, surpassed only by Pawan Chamling of Sikkim Democratic Front.
Unexpected Political Journey
Despite his family background, Naveen Patnaik initially stayed away from politics. However, his path changed dramatically following his father’s death in 1997. After that the supporters of Biju Patnaik from the then Janata Dal formed the Biju Janata Dal, in December that year, propelling the younger Patnaik into the political spotlight. His unexpected entry and subsequent leadership reshaped Odisha’s political narrative for over two decades.
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