Mumbai/Bhubaneswar: A delegation of senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders visited Naveen Patnaik as he was shifted from the ICU to a private room at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday, marking a positive step in his recovery.
The former Odisha chief minister and leader of the opposition in the state assembly left for Mumbai on June 20 and underwent a successful spine surgery for cervical arthritis, which lasted for around 4 hours, at the hospital, two days later. His surgery had created a massive sympathy wave among party workers and people of Odisha. Prayers were offered in several temples across the state for his speedy recovery as it was considered somewhat critical, especially due to his advanced age of 78.
On Monday, his elder brother Prem Patnaik informed that he was recuperating well. “Naveen had a procedure on Sunday and he’s doing very well. He was able to walk a few steps to the bathroom on his own. I sincerely thank everyone for thinking about him and praying for his recovery. With the blessings of Lord Jagannath and your good wishes, he will make a swift recovery,” he told reporters.
