Patnaik becomes BJD president for 9th time, asks party workers to expose BJP’s ‘false’ narrative

Naveen Patnaik re-elected as BJD president, urges party workers to counter BJP's false narrative, focus on social media.

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was chosen as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president for the ninth time in a row, on Saturday (April 19, 2025) called upon party workers to expose the alleged false narrative of the ruling BJP.

BJD’s organisational election returning officer P.K. Deb announced Mr. Patnaik as the party president at the state council meeting held at its state headquarters, Sankha Bhawan.

Addressing party leaders and workers after being named as the BJD president, Mr. Patnaik said, “We conceded defeat in the last Assembly election by a narrow margin, even though our party got more votes. This is because we couldn’t effectively counter the false narrative. Creating a false narrative is the main strategy against the BJD. We should be aggressive in exposing this, especially on social media.”

The Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly also said, “We need to improve our social media presence. Technology should be used to tell the truth and the facts, and without technology, we cannot reach out to people.” Mr. Patnaik has been the founder president of the regional party and was the lone candidate for the post.

“Patnaik was elected as the BJD president unopposed,” Mr. Deb said.

In a veiled attack on the ruling BJP, the BJD chief said, “No one should underestimate the organisational strength of our party. The spirit of BJD workers remains very high. They are our real assets.”

“I have full faith in BJD workers, brothers and sisters. They are the ones who will give a befitting reply to the propaganda. They will spread the message of our service to every village and city of Odisha,” Mr. Patnaik said.