Bhubaneswar: With former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure in Mumbai for treatment of cervical arthritis, BJD leaders on Sunday gathered at Shree Lingaraj Temple here and chanted ‘Har Har Mahadev’ while praying for his health and speedy recovery.
Offered prayers at Shree Lingaraj Temple along with party colleagues and supporters seeking blessings for speedy recovery of our party president Shri Naveen Patnaik who is undergoing cervical arthritis surgery in Mumbai today. Wishing @Naveen_Odisha Sir strength and lasting good… pic.twitter.com/NN7f5eMTZb
— Sulochana Das (@Sulochana_Apa) June 22, 2025
BJD workers of Nuapada block also prayed for smooth procedure and Naveen’s swift and complete recovery.
Naveen left for Mumbai on Friday to undergo the medical procedure on June 22 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, under the supervision of his personal physician, Dr Ramakanta Panda. Hundreds of supporters and well-wishers had then gathered at his residence Naveen Niwas and later at the airport to see him off while extending wishes for his speedy recovery and well-being.
On Saturday, BJD leader Amar Patnaik, BJD MP Sulata Deo, members of the Odia community, and BJD leaders also offered at Jagannath Temple in Delhi’s Hauz Khas for his speedy recovery and the success of the surgery, which is considered somewhat critical, especially due to his advanced age. “Our former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has a surgery in Mumbai tomorrow… We have lit a lamp for him here for his speedy recovery so he can come back and work for the people living in Odisha and the Odia community like before… He calls politics a spiritual journey, a passion to serve the people…,” Amar Patnaik told ANI.
#WATCH | BJD leader Amar Patnaik, BJD MP Sulata Deo, members of the Odia community, and BJD leaders offer prayers at the Jagannath Mandir, Hauz Khas, for the speedy recovery of BJD President Naveen Patnaik.
Naveen Patnaik departed for Mumbai yesterday to undergo a procedure for… pic.twitter.com/iBWy2QdaZH
— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2025
Earlier taking to his X handle, the former CM had informed the public about his medical travel. “On doctor’s advice, I will undergo treatment for cervical arthritis on June 22nd in Mumbai. With blessings from Lord Jagannath and good wishes from the people of Odisha, I will soon be back to serve you all,” he wrote.
Cervical arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis or neck arthritis, is a degenerative condition affecting the neck’s joints and cartilage. While it’s often associated with aging and wear-and-tear, it can also stem from injuries or genetics. While surgery might be a treatment option, it’s not the only one, and recovery can take several weeks.