Bhubaneswar, April 19: Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has been unanimously elected as the President of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for the ninth time in a row. As the sole contender, he was declared elected unopposed, with the official announcement made at the party’s headquarters, Shankh Bhawan.

Patnaik filed his nomination on April 17, 2025 — a date marking the 28th death anniversary of his father, legendary leader Biju Patnaik, after whom the party is named. Addressing party leaders and workers after the announcement, Patnaik reaffirmed BJD’s commitment to Odisha’s rights and Odia identity.

“Our fight for Odisha’s rights will continue,” he said. “Despite getting more popular votes in the last election, we narrowly missed out due to the false narrative against us. Now, social media is the main battleground, and we must counter propaganda with truth and technology.”

Calling for a stronger digital presence, Patnaik urged party workers to be more aggressive online. He expressed confidence that BJD’s cadre will respond effectively to misinformation.

Patnaik, who has led the BJD since its formation in 1997, served as Odisha's Chief Minister for over two decades. Meanwhile, the election of district presidents has been completed in most of the party’s 33 organisational districts.

Powered by Froala Editor