Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik finds solace in bookstore after election campaigning

Bhubaneswar, June 1: After a demanding month of election campaigning, Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik took a well-deserved break, indulging in a relaxed evening of book browsing at a bookstore in Master Canteen Square, Bhubaneswar, on Thursday.

Accompanied by 5T chairman Karthik Pandian, Patnaik visited the Modern Book Depot at Master Canteen, where he perused a variety of books, including one focusing on the Similipal forest and several others of international interest.

"Following the elections and the rigorous campaigning, I decided to unwind at a bookshop in Bhubaneswar and purchase a couple of books," Patnaik shared with reporters.

Among his purchases was 'The Secret Of Similipal' authored by Debabrata Swain.

Local residents also gathered at the bookstore upon the CM's arrival, some taking selfies with him. A particularly charming moment occurred when a young girl took a selfie with the CM, capturing an adorable pose.

During his visit, Patnaik engaged in friendly conversation with the bookstore owner and staff, reflecting his passion for literature.

Notably, CM Naveen Patnaik is known for his avid reading habit and writing prowess, with contributions to the literary world including works such as 'The Garden of Life,' 'A Second Paradise,' and 'A Desert Kingdom.'

Om Prakash, the owner of the Modern Book Depot, remarked on the visit, noting that both Biju Babu and now his son Naveen Babu have frequented the shop.

"Naveen Babu expressed that books provide him relaxation. He made purchases totaling Rs 2500, showing interest in history books along with his personal favorites," Prakash shared.