Naveen Patnaik (born 1946)

Naveen Patnaik is an Indian politician who has served as the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Odisha since 2000. He is the founder and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party, which is named after his father, Biju Patnaik, a former Chief Minister of Odisha and renowned Indian independence activist. Naveen Patnaik has been in politics for over two decades and is known for his clean image and pro-poor policies.

Early Life and Education

Naveen Patnaik was born on October 16, 1946, in Cuttack, Odisha, to Biju Patnaik and Gyan Patnaik. His father was a prominent political leader and a hero of the Indian independence movement. Naveen Patnaik grew up in Delhi and studied at The Doon School. He later went to Delhi University's Kirori Mal College, where he received a degree in History. After completing his education, he moved to the United States and worked as a freelance writer and photojournalist.

Political Career

Naveen Patnaik's entry into politics was unexpected, as he had spent most of his adult life outside India. In 1997, after his father's death, he returned to India and took over the reins of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party, which was founded by his father. In 1998, he contested and won the Lok Sabha by-election from the Aska constituency in Odisha.

In 2000, Naveen Patnaik became the Chief Minister of Odisha, and he has held the position ever since. Under his leadership, the state has seen significant progress in various fields such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He has also been praised for his efforts in improving the lives of the poor and marginalized communities in the state.

In the 2004 and 2009 elections, Naveen Patnaik led the BJD to victory in the state elections, and the party formed the government in Odisha. In the 2014 elections, the BJD won a majority of seats in the state assembly, and Naveen Patnaik became the Chief Minister of Odisha for the fourth consecutive time. In the 2019 elections, the BJD won a majority of seats again, and Naveen Patnaik became the Chief Minister of Odisha for the fifth time.

Achievements as Chief Minister

Naveen Patnaik's tenure as the Chief Minister of Odisha has been marked by significant progress in various fields. The state has seen a considerable improvement in infrastructure, with the construction of new highways, bridges, and airports. The state has also made significant progress in the field of education, with the establishment of new schools, colleges, and universities.

Under Naveen Patnaik's leadership, the state has launched several programs aimed at improving the lives of the poor and marginalized communities. One of the most notable programs is the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, which provides free healthcare to over 70 lakh families in the state. The state has also launched several programs aimed at improving the lives of women and children, such as the Mamata Scheme and the Mission Shakti program.

Naveen Patnaik has also been praised for his efforts in disaster management. Odisha is prone to cyclones, floods, and other natural disasters, and Naveen Patnaik has ensured that the state is well-prepared to handle these emergencies. Under his leadership, the state has been able to minimize the loss of life and property during disasters.

Controversies

Naveen Patnaik's tenure as the Chief Minister of Odisha has not been without controversies.