50k BJD workers greet Naveen on return

Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik received a hero’s welcome on his return to the city on Tuesday after receiving a lifetime achievement award presented by a Delhi-based voluntary organisation.
Nearly 50,000 BJD workers from all the 147 assembly constituencies had gathered at Biju Patnaik International Airport to greet the chief minister amid folk dances, blowing of conch shells and beats of traditional musical instruments with loud cheers hailing Naveen for his work.
The chief minister then boarded a special bus to take part in a roadshow organized by party workers, from the airport to Naveen Niwas. Naveen was seen applauding the enthused crowd through the sunroof, standing on an elevated platform, similar to what he would do during the 2019 election campaign.
“Dear brothers and sisters, we have won the award. Are you all happy? I am also very happy. This award is not mine as it belongs to the 4.5 crore people of Odisha. You continue to do good work. Jai Jagannath,” said the chief minister in his brief address.
Large hoardings, listing various successful and pro-people schemes of the BJD government and carrying photographs of the chief minister, had been erected in different parts of the city and other prominent locations.
Despite a sultry weather, almost all the ministers of the state government, MPs, MLAs and senior leaders took part in the rally.
“All the chief minister’s programmes are directed towards the welfare and betterment of the 4.5 crore people of Odisha for which the people have always blessed him. The lifetime achievement award to the chief minister is a proud moment for every Odia,” said state agriculture minister Ranendra Pratap Swain.
Political observers said the BJD’s show of strength in the state capital is to create a political hype in favour of the ruling party and to energize their workers ahead of the general and assembly elections in 2024.
Some others also said that the party, with such an effort, is trying to send out a message that there is no match to Naveen’s leadership in the state.