Bhubaneswar, Apr 17 (PTI) Leader of the Opposition in Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Thursday filed his nomination papers for the post of BJD president at Sankha Bhawan here.

He was the sole candidate for the post.

Patnaik has been elected as BJD president eight times in a row since the party’s inception in 1997.

He was last elected to the position in February 2020.

Patnaik filed his nomination papers on the 28th death anniversary of his father Biju Patnaik, after whom the regional party—Biju Janata Dal—is named.

After filing the papers, Patnaik said the BJD government from 2000 to 2024 had achieved significant development for Odisha and brought recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

Without directly naming the BJP, Patnaik said, “Now some people are making deliberate attempts to demean the contribution and sacrifice of our great sons. Attempts are also being made to change history. But they should remember that history reflects the connecting experience of a nation over time. It cannot be changed at anybody’s wishes.” Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal said, “We have great respect for Biju Patnaik. We paid our tributes to him on his death anniversary. Patnaik’s remark is politically motivated and not expected from a five-time former chief minister.” PTI AAM MNB