BJD president Naveen Patnaik leaves for Mumbai for cervical arthritis surgery

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik on Friday left for Mumbai, where he is scheduled to undergo a surgery for cervical arthritis at a private hospital on June 22.

A large number of senior BJD leaders and party workers gathered at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to see him off.

They extended their heartfelt wishes for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

Earlier, in a post on X, Patnaik said, "Jai Jagannath. As advised by medical experts, I would be undergoing a procedure for cervical arthritis on 22nd of this month at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. My personal doctor Dr Ramakant Panda is coordinating this in Mumbai. With blessings of Lord Jagannatha and good wishes of my brothers and sisters of Odisha, looking forward to returning soon to continue to serve all of you.”

Jai Jagannatha 🙏🏻

As advised by medical experts I would be undergoing a procedure for cervical arthritis on 22nd of this month at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. My personal doctor Dr Ramakant Panda is coordinating this in Mumbai. With blessings of Lord Jagannatha…

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) June 18, 2025

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed concern over Patnaik’s health and wished him a speedy recovery.

Similarly, BJP National Vice-President and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda also extended his wishes for Naveen Patnaik’s good health and successful treatment.

He posted on social media platform X, praying to Lord Jagannath for Patnaik’s swift recovery.

Wishing former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Legislative Assembly @Naveen_Odisha good health and a successful medical procedure. May Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s blessings guide you towards a speedy recovery. 🙏🙏

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) June 18, 2025

Former Minister Niranjan Pujari said, "As people of Odisha love him very much and have an emotional connect with him, a large number of people gathered here at the airport to wish him."

"We pray before Lord Jagannath for his good health and speedy recovery so that he can return to Odisha and revive the BJD to fight with the BJP and make it the No. 1 party in the state," BJD leader Prafulla Samal said.

(With PTI inputs)