Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik turns 80 on October 16, 2026.

Born on October 16, 1946, in Cuttack, Patnaik served as Odisha Chief Minister for five consecutive terms from 2000 to 2024. His tenure was marked by a focus on development and welfare programmes, while his understated public persona became a defining feature of his political career.

On his birthday, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and several others extended greetings to Patnaik, wishing him good health and a long life.

Following the BJD’s defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections, Patnaik became the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly.

The BJD is planning a padayatra in Bhubaneswar on his birthday, signalling his continued engagement in public and party activities. Images of Patnaik waving to people at public events have also been widely shared.