Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India]: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed surprise over Union Minister Giriraj Singh’s suggestion that he should be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Responding to the proposal, Patnaik remarked, “I have no idea why.”
Giriraj Singh had earlier advocated for the Bharat Ratna to be conferred upon both Nitish Kumar, the Chief Minister of Bihar, and Naveen Patnaik, citing their significant contributions to their respective states.
BJD’s Reaction
BJD leader Amar Patnaik welcomed the statement, emphasizing Naveen Patnaik’s long-standing service to Odisha.
“It’s a welcome statement… Naveen Patnaik has been working for the people of Odisha for the last 24 years with devotion and sincerity. If this recognition comes, we will welcome it. Whether it comes or not, Naveen Patnaik is above all this,” said Amar Patnaik.
Giriraj Singh’s Comments
Praising both leaders, Singh highlighted their dedication to state development and their suitability for recognition.
“Nitish Kumar has contributed significantly to the state’s development. Naveen Patnaik has also served Odisha with dedication for many years. Individuals like them deserve recognition with awards such as the Bharat Ratna,” Singh told reporters.
Nitish Kumar and Bihar Politics
Singh also expressed confidence in Nitish Kumar’s leadership within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. He stated that the NDA government would likely return to power under Kumar’s leadership, recalling the progress made under his tenure compared to the earlier “jungle raj” era of Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Union Minister and JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh affirmed that the NDA would contest the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.
“In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the NDA will contest under Nitish Kumar’s leadership,” Ranjan Singh told ANI.
Political Context
Nitish Kumar re-aligned with the BJP after toppling the Mahagathbandhan government ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The NDA alliance in Bihar consists of the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), and Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular).
The BJP remains the senior partner in the alliance, holding 84 seats in the State Assembly, compared to the JD(U)’s 48. Assembly elections for Bihar’s 243 seats are anticipated in late 2025.
The proposal to award the Bharat Ratna to these leaders adds a new dimension to the evolving political landscape in Odisha and Bihar, with both Naveen Patnaik and Nitish Kumar continuing to play pivotal roles in regional and national politics.