Naveen Patnaik turns 72, Modi prays for his good health

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik turned 72 on Monday and good wishes poured in from all quarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for his good health.

Patnaik celebrated by cutting a cake in the presence of Ministers, several party leaders, officials and well wishers, who thronged his residence in the morning with flowers to wish him.

"Birthday wishes to Odisha CM Shri Naveen Patnaik. I pray that he leads a long life blessed with good health. @Naveen_Odisha," tweeted Modi.

Besides Modi, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and various other political leaders greeted Patnaik.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote: "Happy birthday Naveen babu @Naveen_Odisha Wishing you good health and happiness."

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also wished Patnaik.

Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik wished the Odisha Chief Minister with a sand art on the Puri sea beach.

Patnaik expressed his deep gratitude to all his well wishers and vowed to continue his service to the people.

"I would like to express my deep gratitude for all the people who have wished me on my birthday. I will continue to work hard for the development and welfare of the people of our state," Patnaik said.

The Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the student's wing of the BJD, has decided to celebrate the party chief's birthday by organising a blood donation camp at the party headquarters. Patnaik would be attending it.

He did not celebrate his last birthday to mourn the soldiers who laid down their lives fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

In 2013 and 2014, he did not celebrate the day after cyclone Phailin and Hudhud struck respectively; in 2011, he again stayed away from celebrations after floods in the state.

--IANS

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