Nitish Kumar: Naveen Is A Politician With Difference, Carved Out a Legacy For Himself

Bhubaneswar: In another testimony to the successful leadership of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the development the state is going through, Nithis Kumar the Chief Minister of Bihar has written a piece of Article in India Today’s Independence Day special edition and praised Naveen as a politician with a difference who has carved out a legacy for himself.

In his article, Nitish writes “His vision for the upliftment of the downtrodden, his orientation for development with justice and his respect for cultural tradition has always been appreciated by everyone.”

He also goes on to say “When he entered politics, he came with the identity of being respected “Biju Babu’s” son. In the last 24 years, he has carved out a legacy for himself. People generally change with power and time. But he has not. Naveen Babu whom I saw as a 50-year-old is the same one even today. He has total commitment for his state and country.”

Praising Naveen Patnaik, Nitish Kumar says “People keep asking how Shri Naveen Patnaik has been so successful in politics. I think he answered that in one of his interviews which I quote—“I work for the people not for elections.” He has managed to convey to the people of Odisha that they are his family. And he keeps winning election after election. His work speaks much louder than his words. I am told that in his election for the fifth term, he spoke just one line and swept the elections. He asked the people: “Are you happy?”

“When Shri Naveen Patnaik took charge in early 2000, Odisha was passing through difficult times. In the past two decades, it has come a long way with the natural calamity-prone state being equipped to face these disasters. His handling of the cyclones has won national and international praise. The state has made its mark in the field of sports and tourism and has been maintaining an appreciable growth rate. History will remember him as a decent person, full of confidence and a socialite with ideals and commitment,” he concludes.

With this appraising article, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has joined the list of numerous political leaders from across the nation and different political parties who have praised Naveen Patnaik for his leadership and people friendly governance. It is rare to see such high praise from across different political parties. But he is Naveen Patnaik, a national treasure.
The India Today special issue will be out on stands on August 30th.