Bhubaneswar, 25 June (H.S.): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday categorically stated that he will continue to lead the party in the 2029 general elections, putting an end to speculation about the party's future leadership.

Patnaik made the statement while speaking to the media after formally inducting former IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan into the BJD at the party headquarters, Sankha Bhawan, in Bhubaneswar.

His remarks came amid growing political speculation following Sujata Karthikeyan’s entry into active politics. Several political observers had suggested that Karthikeyan, the wife of former bureaucrat-turned-politician V.K. Pandian, could emerge as a prominent face of the party and potentially be projected as its future leader ahead of the 2029 elections.

Addressing the speculation, Patnaik unequivocally reaffirmed his leadership role within the party.

“I would like to repeat again for the information of the media and all other people that, of course, I will be leading the Biju Janata Dal in the next election. I want to make it very clear,” he told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Patnaik chaired a meeting of senior BJD leaders at Sankha Bhawan, where he officially welcomed Sujata Karthikeyan into the party. The event was attended by several senior leaders, former ministers, legislators, and party functionaries.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda