New Delhi, 05 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to Odisha's former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on his birth anniversary, recalling his infectious zeal that propelled the state's progress.

In an X post Thursday,PM Modi wrote: On his Jayanti today, I pay tribute to Biju Patnaik and remember his enthusiasm in advancing Odisha's development.

Born March 5, 1916, and passing April 17, 1997, Patnaik was a multifaceted figure—politician, aviator, and industrialist. He served as Odisha CM from 1961-63 and 1990-95, Union Steel & Mines Minister (1979-80), Coal Minister (1977-79), and Lok Sabha MP from Kendrapara (1977-85). His visionary leadership laid industrial foundations and championed Odisha's growth.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar