A search is on in Odisha for a new official residence. Outgoing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, in his 24-year tenure, operated from his personal home, Naveen Niwas, which effectively served as the Chief Minister’s residence.
Patnaik, after being sworn in as chief minister in 2000, preferred to work from his own home rather than a government-allocated house. This decision established an unprecedented example in the state’s political history. For nearly a quarter-century, all official and administrative work was conducted from Naveen Niwas – a mansion built by his father and former chief minister Biju Patnaik. he recently lost state elections to the BJP.
With the approaching announcement of a new Chief Minister by the BJP, the state’s administration has intensified its efforts to track down a suitable official residence.
A senior government official stated that several vacant quarters, including the current Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell, have been shortlisted, however, the shift will not be immediate. Once a space is selected, it will undergo necessary renovations and installation of all the required facilities.
Meanwhile, the state administration is planning to set up a suite in the State Guest House as temporary housing for the new Chief Minister. Earlier, former chief ministers including Hemananda Biswal and Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, operated from a single-storeyed building near Bhubaneswar Club. After JB Patnaik was re-elected in 1995, the CM’s Office was shifted to a two-storeyed building which is the current Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell.
The Odisha election saw the end of Mr Patnaik’s 24-year rule, with the BJP coming to power by securing 78 seats in the 147-member assembly, a significant shift from BJD’s previous dominance. The BJD managed 51 seats, while the Congress took 14 seats, and three went to Independent candidates. In the Lok Sabha elections, the BJD faced a significant defeat, with the BJP securing 20 seats and the Congress winning 1 out of the 21 seats in the state.
Author: Sangi Roy
Student of mass communication with a deep passion for print media and reading. My hobbies include traveling, exploring ancient history, and visiting museums.
