C.M. Naveen Patnaik Biography

 C.M. Naveen Patnaik is an Indian politician and the current Chief Minister of Odisha, a state in eastern India. He is the founder and president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a regional political party in Odisha. Naveen Patnaik has been serving as the Chief Minister of Odisha since 2000, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India.

Naveen Patnaik was born on October 16, 1946, in Cuttack, Odisha. He is the son of Biju Patnaik, a prominent politician and former Chief Minister of Odisha. Naveen Patnaik completed his early education in Welham Boys' School in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and The Doon School in Dehradun. He then went on to attend Kirori Mal College in Delhi University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Before entering politics, Naveen Patnaik worked as a writer and has authored several books. He also served as a journalist and worked for several years in New Delhi and New York. His political career began in 1997 when he founded the BJD following the demise of his father, Biju Patnaik. The BJD was initially formed as a regional party focusing on the issues and development of Odisha.

In 2000, Naveen Patnaik contested the state assembly elections in Odisha and became the Chief Minister of the state. He has since been re-elected in subsequent elections, winning four consecutive terms in office. Under his leadership, Odisha has seen significant development in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and women's empowerment.

Naveen Patnaik's administration has been known for its focus on social welfare programs, such as the provision of rice at subsidized rates to the poor, the construction of affordable housing for the underprivileged, and the improvement of healthcare facilities in rural areas. He has also been instrumental in implementing disaster management strategies to mitigate the impact of natural calamities, particularly cyclones, which often affect the coastal regions of Odisha.

Naveen Patnaik's leadership has been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to governance and public service. He has been praised for his clean image, integrity, and dedication towards the welfare of the people of Odisha.

In addition to his role as the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik has been actively involved in national politics as well. His party, the BJD, has often supported various governments at the central level and has been part of different coalitions.

Naveen Patnaik's journey as a politician and his long-standing tenure as the Chief Minister of Odisha have made him a prominent figure in Indian politics. His leadership style and focus on grassroots development have earned him a significant following among the people of Odisha.