BJP MLA Pradipta Kumar Naik wins battle against Covid-19 after 2 yrs struggle, expresses desire to contest election 

After a prolonged battle of two years with Covid-19, the former Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP's Bhawanipatna MLA, Pradipta Kumar Naik has recovered from the complications of the disease. 

After his discharge from a private hospital (Medanta Hospital) on January 13, he is now staying in a rented accommodation near the hospital. There he is undertaking physiotherapy exercises to become fit to carry out normal day-to-day activities. He will become completely fit after a minor operation on the throat. 

Naik, who hinted that he would return home very soon, expressed his desire to contest in the 2024 general election. Meanwhile, he has become active on social media. On social media platforms, he is meeting his party leaders, taking feedback about the party and sharing his suggestions and opinions. 

“The doctors treating me have already said to me that I am fit enough to go to my house. I have decided to resume my daily activities. I will go to the people and involve myself with them to understand their problems,” said Naik. 

“I am ready to contest. It depends on the party. If the party fields me, I will contest. I am confident that I will win. I have the same faith even today,” he added. 

One of the most active leaders, Naik tested positive for Covid-19 in 2021, when he was the Leader of the Opposition. On April 20, 2021, he was admitted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. Despite undergoing treatment for months, he didn’t show any sign of recovery. 

Thereafter, he was shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in November, the same year. There he underwent treatment for more than a year. On January 13, he was discharged from the hospital. 

Notably, after his illness, the party appointed Jayanarayan Mishra as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) who is still functioning in the same capacity.