He is unbeatable & unstoppable! His continual electoral success is unbelievable. His simplicity, political decency, ‘Mr. Clean’ and ‘Gentleman Politician’ image kept him far ahead in comparison to his opponents. His resounding victory is largely attributed to his government’s ‘cradle to grave’ welfare schemes including KALIA, the scheme launched for farmers. His winning streak continues to date, thanks to his own brand i.e., Brand Naveen which is trusted and tested by the people. His “stand against corruption” and “pro-poor policies” have created a huge support base which helps his party BJD to be in power for the five consecutive terms.
A person who once excelled in history could not probably imagine reaching such heights in politics. He has never looked back after joining politics in 1997 though he was reluctant initially.
A gifted painter painted a lot of colors in the field of politics to win the hearts of millions of Odias with Mr. Clean’s image. A renowned writer who scripts various popular schemes to reach out to the people at last miles. A person who has spent most of his youth been away from both politics and Odisha, hardly spends time outside of state after taking the helm of party and Government.
He continues to focus on the basic needs of the people like Food, Shelter, Health, Education, Infrastructure, Sports, Tourism, and Women empowerment. Mr. Patnaik’s experience in tackling natural calamities helped Odisha during the Covid crisis. He has launched Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) to ensure health protection for all. His recent focus is to improve the infrastructure of the Govt. Schools under “Mo School Abhiyan” are praiseworthy.
His decision to sponsor Hockey India paid rich dividends with the spectacular performance of Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams in the Tokyo Olympics. The men’s team won India’s first hockey medal at the Games in 41 years while the women’s team matched their best-ever finish at an Olympics.
Transformation of Puri to a World Heritage City, beautification of Temples, restoring the monuments would certainly improvise the tourism sector in the state. Mission Shakti an initiative of his Govt. to empower women to have independent employment and income made him very popular among the Self-Help Groups.
A Doon School alumnus who wins the hearts of students in the rural area by taking many initiatives like mid-day meals, distributing laptops, uniforms, cycles, constructing hostels for tribal students, Mukhya Mantri Medha Bruti (Chief Minister Meritorious Scholarship), etc.
He has introduced several pro-poor schemes from before-birth to after-death i.e. Mamata to Harishchandra. It was perceived that the scheme of rice at Rs 2 per kg to the poor earlier was a game-changer and then it was further reduced to Rs 1 per kg. Naveen is credited to have the other popular schemes like Mo Kudia, Biju Krushak Kalyan, Biju Gram Jyoti, Madhu Babu Pension, Biju Pucca Ghar, Biju KBK, Biju Kanya Ratna, UNNATI, ABADHA, BASUDHA, etc. He has been able to connect to the rural people at large through these popular schemes along with the distribution of blankets, umbrellas, cycles, etc.
The son of the soil, the visionary leader Biju Babu named his house ‘Naveen Niwas’ which is the residence of Naveen Babu and the epicenter of BJD politics. He has been successful in weakening the opposition with his political acumen.
Tears from his eyes after the Naxal attack in Nayagarh in 2008 where 15 personnel were killed or ‘zero casualty’ target during Cyclone Hudhud or meeting Jaga Kalia in Delhi AIIMS reflects his personality. As known as a tough taskmaster, he has successfully managed to control the bureaucracy and transformed it into a machine for the development of the state.
No one can be able to decode his winning strategy including the leaders of his close coterie. He always plays his card to his chest. He is not media-savvy but people love to see and listen to him. He rules in the hearts of the Odias despite questions being raised about his proficiency in the language.
Mr. Naveen Patnaik, the BJD boss, Odisha strongman, and a powerful regional satrap has emerged as one of India’s most successful Chief Ministers and a true popular people leader. He will remain in the hearts of the people for his simplicity, visionary leadership, providing a stable government for decades, and balancing the socioeconomic front by bringing various popular schemes. The transformation of a political novice to a mass leader is not only impressive but also quite remarkable.
-Amarendra Mohanty, IT Professional, Research Scholar & Social Worker.
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