Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik underwent a successful surgery for cervical arthritis at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. The procedure, conducted under the supervision of his personal physician Dr. Ramakant Panda, has been declared successful, with doctors confirming that Patnaik is stable and recovering well.
Dr. Panda stated that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president is conscious and in good spirits. “He is doing well post-surgery and is under observation. If recovery continues as expected, he will be discharged within five to seven days,” he said. The surgery lasted around two hours and was carried out by a team of senior surgeons with support from specialists from the Asian Heart Institute.
Naveen Patnaik’s younger brother Prem Patnaik and sister-in-law were present at the hospital during the procedure. Dr. Panda will continue to monitor Patnaik’s recovery in the days ahead.
News of the veteran leader’s hospitalization sparked a wave of prayers and concern across Odisha. Devotees gathered at major temples, including Bhubaneswar’s Lingaraj Temple and Baba Jhadeswar Temple in Balasore, where supporters performed special rituals and offered ‘dipa dana’ seeking his speedy recovery.
Having led Odisha for over two decades before stepping down earlier this month, Naveen Patnaik remains a towering figure in state politics.
