Political News: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), April 19: Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was unanimously re-elected as the president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for the ninth consecutive term on Saturday.
His unopposed election was formally announced by senior BJD leader Pratap Keshari Deb following a meeting of the party’s State Council at the party headquarters, Shankh Bhawan.
Since no other nominations were filed, Naveen’s reappointment to the top post was automatic. Party insiders revealed that with his fresh term, the BJD supremo is likely to make key structural changes within the organisation. He is expected to appoint a new working president and increase the number of vice presidents to strengthen the party’s internal machinery.
Sources also indicated that the post of organisational secretary may be scrapped, while the secretary general post could be revived. Additionally, new committees may be formed to improve party functioning.
After his election, Naveen received warm greetings from party leaders and workers. Addressing them, he expressed optimism, stating that BJD narrowly missed winning in 2024 despite securing more votes and vowed to return stronger in 2029.
