Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik returns home after 21 days in Mumbai, following successful spine surgery.

Naveen Patnaik Returns to Odisha After Successful Spine Surgery

BJD leader receives grand welcome after 21-day recovery in Mumbai

Odisha’s former Chief Minister and current Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Naveen Patnaik, returned to Bhubaneswar on Saturday afternoon, July 12, following a successful spinal surgery in Mumbai and a 21-day recuperation period.

Journey to Mumbai & Surgery

Patnaik left Odisha on June 20 to seek medical treatment in Mumbai for cervical arthritis. On June 22, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, he underwent spine surgery under the expertise of Dr S. Rajasekaran from Coimbatore’s Ganga Medical Centre, alongside a team from Kokilaben hospital. Another report mentioned a team headed by Dr Ramakant Panda was involved, highlighting a collaborative medical effort .

Following the surgery, Patnaik spent two days in ICU before moving to a private room. On July 7, doctors deemed him healthy enough for discharge from the hospital. He remained in Mumbai under observation and home-care until his return to Odisha.

A Heartfelt Homecoming

Patnaik’s special flight touched down at Biju Patnaik International Airport around 2 pm on Saturday. Thousands of BJD supporters—including party workers, MLAs, and Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das—welcomed him, chanting “Jai Jagannath” and waving flags along the route to his official residence, Naveen Niwas.

Senior BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra, who led a 15-member party committee during Patnaik’s absence, escorted him and shared that the entire state was eagerly awaiting his return.

Health, Recovery & Political Implications

The successful procedure addressed Patnaik’s cervical arthritis, a degenerative condition affecting the spine. Medical sources confirmed he is now on track for a full recovery. Following the surgery, Patnaik took to social media to express gratitude towards the doctors and hospital staff for their exemplary care.

This marks the longest period Patnaik has been away from Odisha’s political scene since 2000. During his absence, the BJD functioned under the oversight of vice-president Mishra’s team .

Patnaik’s return is not only a personal recovery milestone but also a politically significant moment. It reinforces his stature in Odisha’s political arena, especially as he continues as Opposition Leader following the BJD’s loss in the 2024 state election .

Party officials expect Patnaik to gradually resume his duties—overseeing party strategy, engaging with allies, and preparing for future electoral challenges. Leaders in attendance praised his resilience and leadership during their airport rally .

As Patnaik settles back into Naveen Niwas, he’s expected to undergo follow‑up medical exams and gradually return to his political roles. The BJD aims to leverage his physical and symbolic presence to rebuild momentum following recent electoral setbacks .

The outgoing Chief Minister of Odisha for 24 years, and currently the Opposition Leader, Patnaik remains a linchpin of regional politics. His successful recovery and triumphant return strike a hopeful chord for both supporters and the wider public in Odisha.tive: the CM was doing well and would return soon. Senior

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