Odisha's Naveen Patnaik Undergoes Surgery: Party Leaders Unite in Prayer

Naveen Patnaik's Surgery Sparks Collective Prayers

Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, the president of the BJD and Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, is set to undergo surgery for cervical arthritis at a private facility in Mumbai this Sunday. In response, numerous party leaders and supporters have gathered at various temples to pray for his successful operation.

Senior BJD officials and party members congregated at Lingaraj Temple, Baba Jhadeswar Temple in Balasore, Shiv Temple in Hinjilicut, and Budhi Thakurani Temple in Berhampur, Ganjam district, this morning to seek blessings for Patnaik's surgery and swift recovery.

The party members performed 'dipa dana' (offering of earthen lamps) and conducted 'puja' (worship) at Lingaraj Temple.

BJD vice president Debi Prasad Mishra expressed, "We are here to conduct a mass 'puja' and 'dipa dana' for our beloved leader Naveen Patnaik, who is undergoing a medical procedure today. We pray to Lord Lingaraj for his healthy recovery."

Sulochana Das, the Mayor of Bhubaneswar and a BJD leader, emphasized that Patnaik transcends party lines, being a beloved leader of Odisha. She noted, "As he receives treatment, many people have gathered at Lingaraj Temple to pray for his quick and healthy recovery."

Another BJD leader, Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, stated, "We prayed at Maa Budhi Thakurani for Patnaik's healthy return. We hope he comes back home in good health to continue serving the people of Odisha."

Swarup Kumar Das, a former MLA from Balasore, along with party workers, lit earthen lamps at Jhadeswar Temple in Balasore.

"Not just our party members, but the general public is also praying for Patnaik's recovery. With the blessings of the Lord and the people of Odisha, I am confident he will return healthy," Das remarked.

Patnaik served as the chief minister of Odisha from 2000 until 2024 and currently holds the position of Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly.

On June 20, Patnaik departed for Mumbai for his surgery, with a significant number of senior BJD leaders and party workers present at the airport to bid him farewell.

Sources indicate that Patnaik's personal physician, Ramakanta Panda, is managing and coordinating his treatment.

In Patnaik's absence, a 15-member committee led by vice president Debi Mishra is overseeing party operations.