Bhubaneswar, April 17 - Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik has filed his nomination papers for the post of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President at Sankha Bhawan here. He is the only candidate for this post.
He was earlier elected to this post in February 2020. Patnaik has been elected as the BJD President for eight consecutive terms since the party's formation in 1997.
Patnaik filed his nomination papers on the 28th death anniversary of his father Biju Patnaik, after whom the regional party Biju Janata Dal is named.
Indirectly referring to the BJP, Patnaik said, "Now some people are deliberately trying to downplay the contribution and sacrifice of our great sons. Attempts are being made to change history. But they should remember that history reflects the experience of association with a nation over time. It cannot be changed by anyone's will.'' After filing his nomination, Patnaik said that from 2000 to 2024, the BJD government has made many important achievements for the development of Odisha and has given recognition to the state at the national and international levels.