Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Interacts With BJD Candidates After Election Loss — IN PICS

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who also heads the BJD as its president, said that his party served the people of Odisha for the last 24 years and would continue to work for the state. (Photo: Special Arrangement)

Patnaik handed over his resignation letter to Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan on June 5. He had for the first time taken oath as the chief minister of Odisha on March 5, 2000. (Photo: Special Arrangement)

Patnaik said that when he took charge, 70 per cent of Odisha’s population was living below the poverty line, and during his 24-year tenure, he brought it down to 10 per cent. (Photo: Special Arrangement)

While interacting with the candidates, Patnaik reviewed the election defeat in Odisha and instructed party leaders to keep in touch with the people and work towards the betterment of the state. (Photo: Special Arrangement)

Patnaik entered state politics through the BJD, a party named after his father, former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik. (Photo: Special Arrangement)