Former Odisha Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, was admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on Sunday evening after complaining of uneasiness. The 78-year-old leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was diagnosed with dehydration, but his condition is reported to be stable and he is responding well to treatment. The news of his hospitalization has prompted an outpouring of well wishes from political figures across the spectrum, including the current Chief Minister and Union Ministers.
Patnaik was admitted to SUM Ultimate Medicare at approximately 5:15 pm on Sunday. A statement from the hospital confirmed that he was admitted for dehydration and that "his condition is improving". The health scare began on Saturday night when Patnaik complained of feeling unwell, which led him to cancel a meeting of senior party leaders at his residence, Naveen Niwas. After a team of doctors monitored his condition at home, he was moved to the hospital for more comprehensive care on Sunday.
This recent health issue comes just over a month after Patnaik returned to Odisha following a successful spinal surgery for cervical arthritis in Mumbai. He had undergone the procedure on June 22 and was discharged on July 7, returning to a warm reception in Odisha on July 12. His current hospitalization is reportedly due to dehydration and age-related ailments.
A Wave of Bipartisan Support
The response to Patnaik's hospitalization has transcended political rivalries, highlighting the respect he commands in Indian politics. Odisha's current Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi of the BJP, was among the first to extend his prayers for a swift recovery. "Came to know about the illness of leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik. I pray before Lord Jagannath for his speedy recovery and good health," Majhi posted on X.
Several high-profile BJP leaders, including Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, and MLA Babu Singh, visited the hospital to inquire about the veteran leader's condition. Mahaling stated that he had spoken with the medical team and was assured of Patnaik's stable condition, adding that the state government has instructed the hospital to provide the best possible treatment.
Support also came from the central government, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressing his concern. "I came to know that former chief minister and leader of the Opposition Naveen babu [is ill]. I pray to Lord Jagannath for his good health and long life," Pradhan wrote in a social media post. Odisha's Deputy Chief Ministers, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, also shared their wishes for his "renewed energy and well-being".
Leaders from the Congress party, such as Bhakta Charan Das, also visited the hospital and expressed confidence in the medical team overseeing Patnaik's care.
BJD Remains Confident
The Biju Janata Dal has sought to reassure the public about its leader's health. In a statement posted on X, the party said, "His condition is improving and by blessings of Lord Jagannath, he will be discharged from the hospital soon". Senior BJD leaders like Arun Sahoo and Sanjay Das Burma have also expressed their confidence in his recovery, attributing the health scare to dehydration.
Patnaik's hospitalization occurred just a day after he had convened a meeting with BJD leaders to strategize against a purported move by the state government to curtail the powers of panchayat representatives. This indicates that despite his recent health challenges, the five-time chief minister remains actively engaged in the state's political landscape.
As Naveen Patnaik recuperates under the care of a dedicated medical team, the unified display of support from his political allies and adversaries alike serves as a testament to his long and influential career. The state and the nation await further updates, hoping for the swift and complete recovery of one of India's most enduring political figures.
Related Articles
Leave a Reply