Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was on Sunday formally elected as the leader of the BJD legislature Party (BJDlP) by the party’s newly-elected members here at the BJD headquarters at a meeting that lasted only for five minutes.
He will meet Governor SC Jamir on Monday to stake claim for forming the new Government. Patnaik and his Ministers are likely to be sworn in on May 21, according to sources. While the senior most MlA V Sugnana Kumari Deo moved the proposal naming Patnaik as the BJDlP leader, it was supported by Dr Damodar Rout. Needless to say the proposal was unanimously hailed by the party members.
“I thank the newly-elected MlAs of the Biju Janata Dal for electing me as their leader. We will work with renewed energy for the development of the people of the State,” said a beaming Patnaik to mediapersons.Earlier in the day, the party headquarters was abuzz with activity with a mood of celebration in the air. While the sounds of traditional drums gave a festive touch to the occasion, some newly-elected members were seen dancing to the tune of popular numbers played by a band.
Most of the MlAs were seen hugging each other and exchanging pleasantries. Though the meeting was a five-minute affair, all the other 116 MlAs had kept waiting for it to begin as Naveen Patnaik arrived late.