Naveen’s ‘biography’ released

In what is stated to be the first political biography of Odisha's longest-serving Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, a book on his political life since he entered the State’s political arena in the year 1997 was released here on Saturday.

The book entitled “Naveen Patnaik” is authored by “Outlook” editor Ruben Banerjee, who was working in the State long before Patnaik appeared on the political scene. Banerjee described the  book as a "journalistic presentation of facts not as a first person account".

While recounting his frequent meetings with Patnaik, Banerjee said, “Because I had access to his life and time, not proximity, during his early years of politics, I have written about his day-to-day life."

The book was released by former State Director General of Police Amiya Bhushan Tripathy and senior journalist Rabi Das. Tripathy said, "Naveen Patnaik doesn't speak Odia. He doesn't interfere in day-to-day administration. He has still kept his image of honesty and integrity; that's why he is winning elections continuously for last 18 years.”

The book release function was, however, marred by strong protests by Swabhimani Odia Manch members who, carrying Naveen Patnaik's photo agitated against the mention of Rs drinking habit’ of Patnaik in the book.

Several journalists covering the function also questioned the authenticity of the source of the book.