Patnaik to undergo arthritis surgery in Mumbai, BJD panel to look after party affairs

Bhubaneswar, Jun 18 (PTI) BJD president and Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik will undergo a medical procedure for cervical arthritis at a private hospital in Mumbai on June 22.

Patnaik delegated power to the BJD's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) to look after the day to day functioning of the party during his absence.

"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," Patnaik said in a post on X.

In an office order, Patnaik said as he will be in Mumbai, the day-to-day affairs of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will be handled by the PAC during his absence.

“Also, Shri Debi Prasad Mishra, Senior Vice President, Headquarters, will co-ordinate activities and programmes between different wings of the party,” the order said.

PAC is the highest decision-making panel of the regional outfit headed by Patnaik.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wished him a speedy recovery.

“I am worried to know about the illness of the Leader of the Opposition Shri @Naveen_Odisha . I pray to Lord Jagannath that his treatment process may be completed smoothly and that he may recover quickly and enjoy good health”,’ the chief minister said in an X post. PTI AAM MNB AAM NN