"Don't underestimate BJD's organisational strength", says Naveen Patnaik after re-elected as BJD president

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], April 19 (ANI): Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was on Saturday re-elected as BJD president for the ninth consecutive term. Patnaik, the lone candidate for the post was unanimously elected during the party's State Council meeting held at the party headquarters Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar today.
After getting elected, Patnaik, in his first address to party leaders said, "No one should underestimate the organisational strength of the BJD. The spirit of the BJD workers remains very high. They are our real assets"
Patnaik also described the period from 2000-24 as the "Golden Age" in Odisha's development
BJD leader, Amar Patnaik, said, "Now, he will lead the party for many years to come. In his speech, he made two important points. First, he said the BJP came to power by making false promises, while the BJD got the most popular votes. Second, the BJD will never compromise on Odisha's interests, whether dealing with the central government or anyone else. The party will continue to represent all communities, castes, and religions in Odisha."

"He also said that whether BJD is in power or not, it will always serve the people. For him, politics is not about power, but about service. A new team will be formed under his leadership, and it will include people from all parts of Odisha's society," Amar Patnaik said.
Amar Patnaik said Naveen Patnaik will lead the party for many years, emphasising that BJD won't compromise on Odisha's interests and will represent all sections of society.
BJD leader Santrupt Misra said, "The whole state is happy that Naveen Patnaik is once again the president of the BJD. He brings everyone together and inspires the party. You can see the excitement from members everywhere. Now that he's been named president, he'll build his team to lead the party."
"The strength of the party doesn't come from government power, but from the people, and Naveen represents that people's power. Whether we're in power or not, it's Naveen's leadership and connection with the people that keep the party united. We will continue to stand by the people of Odisha, fight for what's right, and speak up if the government does anything that goes against their interests," Misra said.
In 2024 the BJP torunced the BJD by securing 78 of the state's 147 assembly seats and in the Lok Sabha polls claimed victory in 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha constituencies. (ANI)