Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik would not celebrate his 71st birthday on Sunday as a mark of respect to the Uri martyrs.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Patnaik has decided not to celebrate his birthday this year. Besides, the ruling BJD workers have been asked not to visit his residence to greet him on the occasion, sources said.
It may be recalled that at least 11 students had sustained burn injuries when a gas balloon burst after coming in contact with a splinter from a cracker near the Naveen Niwas last year when they had gathered outside the CM’s residence to greet him on his birthday.
Prior to that, Patnaik had also kept him aloof from birthday celebrations in 2011, 2013 and 2014 owing to natural calamities like floods and cyclones Phailin and Hudhud.
Patnaik was born on October 16, 1946 in Cuttack.