Patnaik takes oath as Odisha CM for 5th consecutive term

Naveen Patnaik, who led his Biju Janata Dal to a landslide victory in the Assembly elections, took oath as the chief minister of Odisha for a record fifth consecutive term on Wednesday.

Patnaik was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Ganeshi Lal at the Idco Exhibition Ground here.

Twenty newly elected BJD MLAs also took oath as ministers, including 11 of Cabinet rank, at the swearing-in ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries.

President Ramnath Kovind spoke to Naveen Patnaik and congratulated him on taking oath as the chief minister.

"The President conveyed his good wishes to him and his entire team for the development of the state @Naveen_Odisha, the President's Secretariat tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Patnaik shortly after he took oath.

"Congratulations to Shri Naveen Patnaik Ji on taking oath as Odisha's Chief Minister. Best wishes to him and his team in fulfilling the peoples aspirations. I assure complete cooperation from the Centre in working for Odisha's progress," Modi tweeted.

Soon after taking oath, Patnaik tweeted: "It's nostalgic and personal journey for me to reminiscence the past 19 years. Today while I take oath of office for the 5th term, I humbly accept the responsibility that comes with the faith my 4.5 crore family members have reposed on me, yet again."
Union Minister and senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan said he was hopeful the state government would "proactively support the Centre in uplifting the lives of Odia people."