Naveen Patnaik Elected BJD Parliamentary Party Chairperson, Vows Strong Opposition to BJP

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been elected as the chairperson of the BJD's parliamentary party. Patnaik urged MPs to counter the BJP-led government strongly and focus on issues affecting Odisha. The BJD, having recently faced electoral setbacks, aims to fulfil its opposition role effectively.

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been unanimously elected as the chairperson of the BJD's parliamentary party, announced a party leader following a meeting on Friday.

Post-meeting, BJD MP Sasmit Patra informed ANI that Patnaik urged MPs to strongly counter the BJP-led central government and prioritize Odisha's critical issues. Patra accused the BJP of neglecting Odisha's people for nearly a decade.

Another BJD MP, Sulata Deo, reiterated that the party aims to fulfil its responsibility to the people by effectively voicing their concerns in Parliament. Earlier, the BJD had appointed a group of 50 elected members to monitor the new BJP-led Odisha government's performance closely.

In the previous state assembly elections, the BJD secured 51 out of 147 seats, losing the majority to the BJP, which won 78 seats. Likewise, the BJD faced significant losses in the Lok Sabha elections, failing to win any seats, whereas the BJP claimed 20 out of 21. Post-election, VK Pandian, a close aide of Patnaik, stepped back from active politics.