Naveen Patnaik Returns to Odisha After Successful Surgery in Mumbai

Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik returned to Bhubaneswar on Saturday after successfully undergoing a surgical procedure for cervical arthritis in Mumbai. His arrival sparked massive enthusiasm among party workers and supporters, who lined the streets to welcome their leader back home.

Patnaik, currently serving as the Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, had flown to Mumbai on June 20 for treatment. The surgery was performed on June 22 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, under the supervision of renowned cardiologist Dr. Ramakant Panda, who is also his personal physician. A team of expert surgeons and doctors from the Asian Heart Institute assisted in the nearly two-hour-long procedure.

He returned to Odisha via a special flight, landing at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), where he was received by senior BJD leaders and greeted by thousands of supporters. Emotional scenes unfolded as people gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the five-time former Chief Minister, who remains a deeply respected figure across the state.

His return has rejuvenated the BJD cadre, with party members expressing optimism and renewed energy for the political road ahead.