Naveen Patnaik Remains The ‘Unchallenged’ Leader In BJD: Prasanna Acharya

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of BJD’s legislature party meeting, Rairakhol MLA Prasanna Acharya on Wednesday said that Naveen Patnaik continues to be the “unchallenged” leader in the regional party.

“Naveen Patnaik was, is and will continue to be our leader. He is also an undisputed leader of Odisha. He is being showered with love and respect even after relinquishing the office of CM. This clearly shows his popularity among the people of the state,” he told reporters.

On whether he is in the contention for the post of deputy Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the House, Acharya said that the decision will be taken at the legislature party meeting slated for 4.30 pm.

The meeting is likely to be chaired by former chief minister, who is almost certain to take up the role of LoP in the Assembly with a deputy leader to handle day-to-day activities.

If the party decides on his name, it would be Naveen’s first time as LoP in his political career, which began in 1997 when he won the bypoll to Aska Lok Sabha seat after the demise of his father Biju Patnaik. He served as the CM of Odisha for five consecutive terms from 2000 until June 2024.