June 5th 2024.
Bhubaneswar: In a heartfelt address to the newly-elected MLAs of his party, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reflected on his 24-year tenure and the progress made by the state of Odisha during his time in office. He proudly shared that when he first took charge, a staggering 70% of the population was living below the poverty line. However, due to the relentless efforts of his government, that number has been reduced to just 10%.
Patnaik highlighted the key contributors to this remarkable achievement, including the focus on agriculture and irrigation sectors and the empowerment of women. He expressed great pride in the success of these initiatives and reminded the MLAs that there was no reason to feel ashamed of the past. He also assured them that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) would continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of the state.
Earlier in the day, Patnaik tendered his resignation to Governor Raghubar Das following the defeat of his party in the assembly polls. With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 78 of the 147 seats and the BJD winning 51, the election results marked a significant shift in Odisha's political landscape. The Congress party secured 14 seats, while the Communist Party of India (CPI) and three independent candidates each won one seat.
Patnaik's resignation marks the end of an era in Odisha's politics. He first took oath as the chief minister on March 5, 2000, and has since been re-elected four times. This remarkable feat is a testament to his dedication and commitment to serving the people of Odisha.
Meanwhile, BJD MLA Arun Sahoo shared his thoughts on his meeting with Patnaik earlier in the day. He praised the outgoing chief minister for his big heart and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state. Patnaik had urged the MLAs to continue serving the people with the same passion and determination as he had during his tenure. Sahoo expressed his gratitude towards Patnaik for his guidance and leadership.
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