Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday declared not to celebrate his 73rd birthday expressing solidarity with people who are affected by Cyclone Titli and the subsequent flood in some parts of the State.
Besides, the Chief Minister’s Office has issued a directive asking ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats not to throng Naveen Niwas to celebrate Patnaik’s birthday. Usually well-wishers visit the Naveen Niwas every year to greet the CM on his birthday.
It is pertinent to mention that Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada districts were badly affected due to the Cyclone Titli, heavy rains, and the subsequent floods.
Earlier when the Hudhud and Phailin had struck the State in 2014 and 2013 respectively, the CM had stayed away from celebrating his birthday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan have greeted the CM on his birthday.
Prasanta Patnaik