Naveen Patnaik Elected Chairperson of BJD's Parliamentary Party

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been elected as the chairperson of Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) parliamentary party. The decision was made during a meeting with the party's nine Rajya Sabha MPs. Patnaik directed the MPs to play a strong oppositional role and advocate for Odisha's interests in Parliament.

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was elected chairperson of BJD's parliamentary party on Friday.

In a meeting at his residence with the party's nine Rajya Sabha MPs, Patnaik was elected unanimously, according to BJD MP Sasmit Patra.

With no BJD MPs in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha members will be responsible for raising Odisha's issues in Parliament. During the meeting, strategies for the upcoming budget session beginning July 22 were discussed.

Patnaik, also the BJD president, directed MPs to act as a strong opposition and counter the BJP-led Centre on matters concerning Odisha. He also urged them to demand special category status for the state.

BJD MP Sulata Deo stated that they will raise issues like the slow progress of national highway and railway projects, inadequacies in bank branches, delay in coal royalty revisions, and the need for more Kendriya Vidyalayas and Ekalavya Schools. Additionally, the BJD will push for the immediate implementation of women's reservation in Parliament and assemblies.

(With inputs from agencies.)