Naveen Patnaik to Lead BJD Padayatra in Bhubaneswar on Oct 16

Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik will lead the party’s Jan Sampark Padayatra in Bhubaneswar on October 16, which also coincides with his birthday. The announcement was made on Monday by senior BJD leader and former Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Ashok Chandra Panda.

Traditionally, the BJD holds its statewide padayatra from October 2, marking Gandhi Jayanti. However, this year, the schedule was revised as the date coincided with Durga Puja festivities. The party instead launched the month-long campaign on October 9, observing Gopabandhu Jayanti.

Panda informed that the ongoing statewide padayatra will see a special event in Ganganagar (Ward No. 52) under the Ekamra-Bhubaneswar Assembly constituency on October 16. Patnaik will join the march at Biju Adarsh Colony, where party workers and the public are expected to greet him on his birthday.

Following the padayatra, the BJD chief will visit the SOS Children’s Village and distribute sweets among the children as part of the celebration.

The Jan Sampark Padayatra is part of the BJD’s public outreach programme, aimed at strengthening grassroots connections and engaging directly with citizens across Odisha.