Modi, Kharge Rally Around Naveen: Odisha Icon’s Dehydration Episode Ignites Cross-Party Concern

Naveen Patnaik Still in Political Spotlight

The former Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, remains in focus in Odisha politics, despite months having passed since his political outfit, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), was overthrown by a massive majority. Interest in his prior physical frailty – which reared up during the campaign trail – has been transmogrified into a story about his fortitude, intrigue and popularity, culminating in his latest health scare that attracted well wishes on all political sides.

Health Concerns During Election Campaign

In high-stakes elections held earlier this year, Patnaik, as the then incumbent CM was repeatedly seen leaning on aides until he was addressing the rallies – which became a hot topic of speculation amongst voters about his fitness. Even Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the skills of the veteran leader to lead the group. Its effects were immediate: the BJD had lost many years of rule and gave way to the BJP rule; as a result, in the state, two wheels of the machine are brought into action.

Post-Election Transformation Raises Questions

However, with this much-craved hypothetical government, Patnaik turned quite active and independent after the elections. The reliance on others was no more; he was being seen playing a role in events in an active way, and people in the corridors of power in Odisha were wondering about the instant change that had swept over him. Behind this change, what was it? This uncertainty hung around like an unresolved puzzle that also helped to give the 78 year old statesman more intrigue.

Popularity Endures Among the Masses

The charisma of Patnaik, however, was not in any sign of decline. His craze even among the masses was even more evident after the polls. This burst was imminent when he had gone through successful repair due to cervical arthritis at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. The social media was awash with prayers and messages for his speedy recovery, with people reaffirming his unending popularity as the most successful CM of the Odisha state.

Health Scare at Bhubaneswar Hospital

One stepped further into the spotlight on August 17, when he was hospitalised in the SUM Ultimate Medicare Hospital in Bhubaneswar due to dehydration. The episode was short, but it provoked a chain of alarm nationwide – and a show of support. One of the biggest causes of this commotion is the health of Patnaik, which has attracted the attention of far more people than just those in the state.

Support from National Political Leaders

As part of the cross-party decorum, even PM Modi himself made a personal call to Patnaik to check on his condition and wished him a speedy recovery and even invited him to Delhi to meet him after taking a few days’ rest. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also placed a phone call and wished everyone. Even former Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan got in touch, reflecting the standing of Patnaik on the national political scene.

Reactions from Odisha Leaders

Closer at hand, the reaction was tremendous. CM Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha, Deputy CM Pravati Parida and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan joined the get-well-soon chorus. A flow of visitors thronged to the hospital, including former BJD ministers Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi and Ranendra Pratap Swain, Jatni MLA Bibhuti Bhushan Balabantray, Bari MLA Bishwaranjan Mallick, ex-MLAs Pranab Prakash Das, Swarup Das and Pranab Balabant Ray and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Sulochana Das.

Outpouring of Public Support

Ministers, MLAs, leaders of both the ruling and the opposition parties, supporters and well-wishers turned up in large numbers at the facility, and a number of the state people prayed in the Jagannath Temple at Puri to speed up the healing process. The outpouring is not just an indicator of the personal magnetism of Patnaik but also an indication of an increasingly strong liking by the top leaders across parties that points to a possible role in wider alliances.

The Continuing Influence of Naveen Patnaik

When Patnaik regains his strength, his story of getting a power back after political defeat becomes so inspiring to people of Odisha and even to others. It is not going to be easy to say whether this little frenzy works out to be a political comeback or not; nevertheless, one thing is certain: the influence of the BJD supremo remains intact, and it has survived the health challenges and election setbacks.