Naveen Patnaik to undergo surgery; party leaders pray in temples across Odisha

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik will undergo a surgery for cervical arthritis at a private hospital in Mumbai on Sunday.

 

Party leaders and workers offered prayers in various temples across the state for the former chief minister’s successful surgery and his healthy recovery.

 

A large number of party leaders and workers could be seen at Lingaraj Temple here, Baba Jhadeswar temple in Balasore district, Shiv temple at Hinjilicut and Budhi Thakurani at Berhampur in Ganjam district this morning.

 

"We all are gathered here to offer mass 'puja' and 'dipa dana' as our beloved leader Naveen Patnaik is undergoing a medical procedure today. We pray before Lord Lingaraj for his healthy recovery," BJD vice president Debi Prasad Mishra was quoted as saying by PTI.

 

Patnaik, who was the chief minister of Odisha from 2000 to 2024 until the BJP wrested power from the BJD, left for Mumbai on June 20 for the surgery. Patnaik's personal doctor Ramakanta Panda is overseeing and coordinating the treatment.

 

"Jai Jagannath. As advised by medical experts, I would be undergoing a procedure for cervical arthritis on 22nd of this month at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. My personal doctor Dr Ramakant Panda is coordinating this in Mumbai. With blessings of Lord Jagannatha and good wishes of my brothers and sisters of Odisha, looking forward to returning soon to continue to serve all of you,” Patnaik had written in a post on X.

 

In his absence, a 15-member committee led by BJD vice-president Debi Mishra is looking after the party affairs.

India