Bhubaneswar: BJD chief and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, was admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar Sunday due to dehydration. His health condition is stated to be stable.
“Shri Naveen Patnaik was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, at 5.15 pm today due to dehydration. His condition is stable and he is responding well to treatment,” a bulletin issued by the private hospital said.
The 78-year-old former Chief Minister had complained of uneasiness Saturday night and some doctors had visited his residence, Naveen Niwas, party leaders said.
BJD leaders had earlier said that he was admitted due to age-related ailments.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan prayed for speedy recovery of Patnaik.
“I came to know about the illness of the Opposition leader, Honorable @Naveen_Odisha. I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for his speedy recovery and good health,” Majhi said in a post on X.
Union Education Minister Pradhan said, “I came to know that the former Chief Minister of Odisha, Opposition leader @Naveen_Odisha is unwell. I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for his good health and speedy recovery.”
BJD, in an X post, said, “The blessings of Lord Jagannath and the goodwill of the people of Odisha are with Naveen Patnaik as he continues his recovery.”
He is the founder president of Biju Janata Dal, named after his father and former CM Biju Patnaik. The BJD was in power from 2000 to 2024 five times in a row before getting defeated in the 2024 elections.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan and BJP MLA Babu Singh were among those who visited the hospital and enquired about Patnaik’s health.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida prayed for Patnaik’s speedy recovery.
“Got to know about the illness of the opposition leader Shri @Naveen_Odisha. I pray to Lord Shri Jagannath for his good health and speedy recovery,” she said.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das, in an X post, said, “I am deeply concerned upon hearing the news of the illness of former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Shri @Naveen_Odisha. I pray to Lord Jagannath for his speedy recovery and good health.”
Patnaik, who had undergone spinal surgery for cervical arthritis at a hospital in Mumbai, had returned to Odisha July 12.
He had left for Mumbai June 20 and underwent the procedure June 22. He was discharged from the Mumbai hospital July 7.
PTI