Naveen Patnaik Sends Rath Yatra Greetings from Hospital Following Spine Surgery

BJD president Naveen Patnaik, recovering from spine surgery, shared heartfelt Rath Yatra wishes from his hospital bed. Political leaders, including Congress president Mallikaarjun Kharge and Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin, have expressed their support and wished him a speedy recovery. Patnaik's physician confirmed he is doing well and is expected to be discharged soon, following a successful surgery that lasted four hours. This article provides insights into his health status and the warm messages he received during this time.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 26, 2025, 23:44 IST

Naveen Patnaik's Recovery and Rath Yatra Wishes

Bhubaneswar: BJD leader Naveen Patnaik, currently recovering from spine surgery, extended his warm wishes to the people of Odisha for the Rath Yatra while in the hospital.

In a heartfelt video message, the former Chief Minister expressed, “My dear brothers and sisters. My namaskar. My greetings to all for the auspicious Rath Yatra. Jai Jagannath.”

Numerous political figures, including Congress president Mallikaarjun Kharge and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, have reached out to inquire about Patnaik's health and wish him a swift recovery.

Kharge shared on social media, “Sending my best wishes for a quick and complete recovery to former CM Naveen Patnaik Ji. May God grant him strength and renewed health.”

Stalin also expressed his concern, stating, “I spoke to Dr Rajasekar from Coimbatore, who treated former Chief Minister of Odisha Thiru. @Naveen_Odisha at a hospital in Mumbai. Glad to hear from him that Thiru Naveen Patnaik is doing well. I wish him a fast and complete recovery, and continued good health.”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor added his wishes for Patnaik's recovery, expressing relief upon hearing that the former Chief Minister is doing well post-surgery. He remarked, “Wish him a speedy and complete recovery!”

A group of senior BJD women leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo and Sulochana Das, visited Patnaik in the Mumbai hospital. Deo reported, “He greeted us with ‘Jai Jagannath’. His elder brother Prem Patnaik was with him. He was undergoing physiotherapy.”

Patnaik's personal physician, Dr Ramakanta Panda, confirmed that the former Chief Minister is recovering well after his cervical spine surgery on June 22.

Dr Panda stated, “Patnaik is doing well and is expected to be discharged on Sunday or Monday,” adding that the surgery, performed by Dr S Rajasekaran of Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, lasted approximately four hours. He noted that after discharge, Patnaik will require regular physiotherapy as part of his recovery.