Senior BJD leader and Ghasipura MLA Badri Narayan Patra on Tuesday opened up, saying seniors should give way to youths in 2024.
“It is a good thing that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is setting great store by youths. If required, they (youths) should be allowed to take the lead,” said Patra.
“If the party has taken the stand on giving importance to younger generations, what will be our requirement? If the party progresses with this perspective, it will ensure our victory in 2024 general election,” observed the legislator.
“We have to honour the party’s perspective. If required, we should step down to pave way for them,” added the lawmaker.
When asked whether he would contest the coming election, Patra said, “The time will say, whether I will contest or not.”
Notably, Patra had been in the probable list of new ministers to be included in Naveen Patnaik’s new cabinet. However, he was given a miss.
Patra has been representing Ghasipura Assembly Constituency since 2009. He has served the State in various capacities including School & Mass Education and Science & Technology minister and Rural Development minister.