Bhubaneswar, 10 April (H.S.): Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Friday departed for New Delhi to meet his ailing elder brother, Prem Patnaik, who recently underwent major heart surgery.

According to sources, Prem Patnaik was admitted to a hospital in the national capital and underwent cardiac surgery earlier this week. Naveen Patnaik’s visit is primarily aimed at inquiring about his brother’s health and being with him during the recovery period.

Senior BJD leader Debi Mishra described the trip as a personal visit, stating that the former Chief Minister has travelled to Delhi to spend time with his elder brother following his illness.

Several senior party leaders, including Pranab Prakash Das, Ashok Panda, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Sushant Rout, Sanjay Das Burma, Saluga Pradhan, and Tukuni Sahu, were present at the airport to see him off.

Naveen Patnaik is expected to remain in New Delhi for a few days to be with his family as his brother recuperates.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda