Naveen Patnaik: The Second Longest Serving Chief Minister of Odisha
In the political landscape of India, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik holds a distinguished position as the second-longest-serving Chief Minister in the country. Having served five consecutive terms, his remarkable leadership has left an indelible mark on the state of Odisha. This article delves into the journey and accomplishments of Naveen Patnaik, a prominent figure in Indian politics.
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| Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, made the record of being the second longest Chief Minister of the country. |
Early Life and Entry into Politics
Naveen Patnaik's political voyage began unexpectedly with the unfortunate demise of his father, Biju Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha. On April 17, 1997, the young Patnaik was thrust into the political limelight, becoming the torchbearer of his father's legacy. He founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in memory of his father and took the helm of this newly formed party.
Rise to Power
In 1998, Naveen Patnaik became the Minister of Steel and Mines in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government at the Centre. However, he decided to return to Odisha to contest the assembly elections in 2000. His decision proved fruitful, and the BJD emerged victorious, forming a coalition government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On March 5, 2000, Naveen Patnaik was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Odisha.
The Record-Breaking Journey
Naveen Patnaik's tenure as Chief Minister has been nothing short of extraordinary. As of now, he has held the position for an impressive 23 years and 138 days. In this time, he has steered the state through various challenges and achieved significant progress.
Breaking Jyoti Basu's Record
In this tenure, Naveen Patnaik broke the record set by Jyoti Basu, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, who served for 23 years and 137 days. This remarkable feat showcases the enduring trust and support the people of Odisha have bestowed upon him.
The Longest-Serving Chief Minister
While Naveen Patnaik is the second-longest-serving Chief Minister, the record for the longest tenure belongs to Pawan Kumar Chamling, the former Chief Minister of Sikkim, who held the post for an impressive 24 years and 166 days.
Unraveling His Political Prowess
One of Naveen Patnaik's greatest achievements is his party's unbeatable track record in various elections. Under his leadership, the BJD has emerged victorious in Lok Sabha, Vidhansabha, and Panchayat elections, demonstrating the firm trust the people have in his governance.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
Naveen Patnaik's political journey faced significant challenges, especially during the communal violence in Kandhamal in 2009. The situation forced him to terminate his alliance with the BJP, a decision that showcased his determination to uphold communal harmony and the well-being of his constituents.
Foiling the Political Coup
In 2012, Naveen Patnaik's political astuteness was put to the test when he successfully foiled an alleged political coup attempt by his advisor Pyari Mohan Mohapatra. His ability to navigate through such trying circumstances solidified his image as a steadfast leader.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's legacy is etched in the annals of Indian politics. His enduring leadership, resilience, and dedication have transformed Odisha, making it a state that has witnessed remarkable progress under his watchful eye. As he continues to serve the people with unwavering commitment, his legacy will inspire generations to come.
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FAQs
1. Q: When did Naveen Patnaik assume office as the Chief Minister of Odisha?
Naveen Patnaik assumed office as the Chief Minister of Odisha on March 5, 2000.
2. Q: Who was the former Chief Minister whose record Naveen Patnaik broke?
Naveen Patnaik broke the record of former West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu, who served for 23 years and 137 days.
3. Q: Who holds the title of the longest-serving Chief Minister in India?
The title of the longest-serving Chief Minister in India is held by former Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling, who served for 24 years and 166 days.
4. Q: What is the name of the party founded by Naveen Patnaik?
Naveen Patnaik founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in memory of his father.
5. Q: How did Naveen Patnaik deal with the communal violence in Kandhamal?
Naveen Patnaik terminated his alliance with the BJP to uphold communal harmony during the communal violence in Kandhamal in 2009.
