Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and many eminent personalities greeted former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on his 78th birthday, today.

CM Majhi took to social media to wish Patnaik. "Wishing former Chief Minister of Odisha and Leader of Opposition @NaveenOdisha on his birthday and wishing him good health and a healthy life," he said in a post on X.

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a post on X said,  "Happy birthday to former Chief Minister of Odisha and Leader of Opposition @NaveenOdisha. Praying Mahaprabhu and wishing him a long and healthy life."

 DMK leader and MP Kanhimozhi in a social media post said: "Birthday greetings to Thiru @NaveenOdisha, senior statesman, acclaimed writer, and a former chief minister who uplifted millions out of poverty and illiteracy in Odisha. During his tenure as chief minister, Odisha was transformed into the Hockey capital of India... He is admired for his relentless efforts and inspirational leadership. I wish him good health and many more years of dedicated service to our country."

 Filmstar Kamal Haasan said: "My best wishes to Thiru Naveen Patnaik Ji on his birthday. You have dedicated your life for the people of Odisha and have transformed the state. I wish you continued good health and may you continue to serve with your distinctive leadership and integrity. @NaveenOdisha".

Naveen Patnaik was born on October 16, 1946 in Cuttack to Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, and his wife, Gyan Devi.

Patnaik entered politics after the demise of his father Biju Patnaik in 1997 and formed the regional outfit BJD. He was the Chief Minister of Odisha for five consecutive terms from 2000 to 2024 and is at present the Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly.

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