Successful Spine Surgery for Odisha's Leader of Opposition

Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition in Odisha and president of the BJD, is reported to be in stable condition following a successful spine surgery for cervical arthritis at a private hospital in Mumbai, as confirmed on Sunday.

Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and Executive Director of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, announced, "The Hon'ble former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, underwent a spine surgery for cervical arthritis today at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. We are pleased to share that the surgery was successful. Patnaik is stable and currently under observation."

Dr. Ramakant Panda, who oversaw the operation, shared details with a local news channel, stating, "With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Naveen Babu's operation was successful. The main procedure took about 2 hours, and he was in the operating theatre for a total of 4 hours. He is now fully conscious, has started talking, and is doing well. He will remain under observation for two days before being moved to a private room."

In a show of solidarity, numerous party leaders and supporters gathered at various temples across Odisha on Sunday, offering prayers for Patnaik's successful surgery.

Senior BJD leaders and party members congregated at Lingaraj Temple, Baba Jhadeswar Temple in Balasore, Shiv Temple at Hinjilicut, and Budhi Thakurani Temple in Berhampur, all praying for Patnaik's swift recovery.

The regional party members participated in 'dipa dana' (lighting earthen lamps) and 'puja' (worship) at Lingaraj Temple.

BJD vice president Debi Prasad Mishra remarked, "We all are gathered here to offer mass 'puja' and 'dipa dana' as our beloved leader Naveen Patnaik is undergoing a medical procedure today. We pray before Lord Lingaraj for his healthy recovery."

Bhubaneswar Mayor and BJD leader Sulochana Das emphasized that Patnaik is a beloved figure beyond the BJD, stating, "As his treatment is ongoing, many people gathered at Lingaraj Temple to pray for his health and speedy recovery."

Another BJD leader, Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, expressed, "We prayed before Maa Budhi Thakurani wishing for the healthy return of Patnaik. We hope he returns home in good health soon to continue serving the people of Odisha."

Swarup Kumar Das, a former MLA from Balasore, along with party workers, lit an earthen diya at Jhadeswar Temple, affirming, "Not only our party leaders and workers but also the general public are praying for Patnaik's healthy recovery. With the blessings of the Lord and the people of Odisha, I am confident he will return in good health."

On June 20, Patnaik traveled to Mumbai for the surgery, where many senior BJD leaders and party workers gathered at the airport to bid him farewell.

In Patnaik's absence, a 15-member committee led by vice-president Debi Mishra is managing party affairs.