Naveen Patnaik to Serve as Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly
Bhubaneswar, June 19, 2024: In a significant political development, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced on Wednesday that he will assume the mantle of Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha assembly. The declaration was made following the Biju Janata Dal’s (BJD) legislature party meeting, where key leadership roles within the party were also determined.
Addressing the media, Patnaik elaborated on the decisions taken during the meeting. "We had a meeting with the MLAs of the BJD. I congratulated and thanked them for their continued support. They have elected me as the leader of the opposition and also as the leader of the BJD legislature party," Patnaik stated.
In addition to Patnaik’s appointment, the BJD also named senior MLA Prasanna Acharya as the deputy leader of the opposition. Former Speaker Pramila Mallik has been designated as the chief whip of the opposition in the House, a crucial role that involves maintaining party discipline. Furthermore, Pratap Keshari Deb was appointed as the deputy chief whip of the opposition.
The BJD, which has been a dominant force in Odisha politics for the past 24 years under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, faced a significant setback in the recent assembly elections, losing power to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This marked a major shift in the state’s political landscape, as the BJP’s victory ended the BJD’s prolonged tenure and brought new governance to Odisha.
Naveen Patnaik, whose political career has been characterized by staggering electoral success and a reputation for being a steadfast statesman, expressed his gratitude towards party members and highlighted the resilience of the BJD. The party’s legislative decisions and appointments reflect its strategic approach to continue playing a significant role in Odisha’s political affairs despite the electoral loss.
The BJD’s legislature party meeting not only reaffirmed Patnaik’s central role in the party but also showcased the internal solidarity and readiness to serve in the opposition, aiming to provide constructive critique and keeping the new government accountable.
The transition of BJD from the ruling party to the opposition will be observed keenly by political analysts and the public, as it represents a shifting dynamic in Odisha’s politics. With experienced leaders like Patnaik at the helm of the opposition, the political discourse in the state assembly is expected to be robust and engaging.
This report was published by Ashutosh Acharya on June 19, 2024.
Source: India Today
