Bhubaneswar: Will Odisha chief minster Naveen Patnaik retire from politics? This is the million dollar question now circulating in Odisha.
Naveen, the chief minister who is also the supremo of the ruling BJD seems to be an invincible leader in the State. Getting elected to power consecutively for five times in row, Naveen has proved his undying popularity in Odisha.
Now things have come to such a passe that people in Odisha believe that no body will be able to replace Naveen as chief minister till he alive.
But, interestingly, Naveen himself has hinted about his retirement from politicts. Not only that he has also disclosed his post retirement plans.
In a candid conversation with New Indian Express editorial director, Prabhu Chawla at the Odisha Literary Festival-2019, the Odisha chief minister Sunday gave enough hint about his retirement plan. Not only that he also spoke about the succession plan.
“I did write three books before I entered politics. Let’s see in future after retirement. I will certainly think about it.” Patnaik told in reply to Chawla’s poser whether he would write books? The Odisha chief minister for about two decades also hinted that he may write his autobiography.
If Naveen has a post retirement plan, he has also a succession plan in his mind.
When the eminent journalist of the country tried to corner him asking “Have you thought of creating a team which will become your successful successor?, the BJD supremo gave a humble reply.
“I believe the people of our State will chose successor at the right time”.
Earlier in this conversation, Naveen had attributed team work to his success.
“We have an excellent team of officers and other people including MLAs and politicians all of whom worked hard…, ” the chief minister said when asked:What is the magic behind your success story ? Is it Naveen magic or teams working under your direction?
Naveen said this team works with certain ideals for our progress.
The Odisha chief minister supported the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A with a hope that it would bring development and progress to the border State of Jammu & Kashmir. Naveen also clarified his stand about his relationship with the Modi government stating, “We support whatever constructive and creative.”
