Naveen Patnaik, an influential Indian politician, has served as the 14th and current Chief Minister of Odisha since March 5, 2000. His remarkable 24-year tenure is the second longest for any chief minister in India, following Pawan Kumar Chamling of Sikkim.
As the first president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) since its inception in 1997, Patnaik has played a pivotal role in shaping Odisha’s political landscape. Before his tenure as Chief Minister, he was the Union Minister of Steel and Mines from 1998 to 2000 and a Member of Parliament for Aska from 1997 to 2000.
In this blog, we delve into the financial journey of this esteemed leader, exploring Naveen Patnaik’s net worth in 2024, including a detailed look at his assets, income, and financial growth over the years.
Naveen Patnaik Net Worth 2024 and Wiki-bio Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated to be between Rs 75 to Rs 83 crore. |
| Assets (2024) | Total assets: Rs 71.1 crore. |
| Movable assets: Over Rs 14.1 crore. | |
| Immovable properties: Worth Rs 57 crore. | |
| Date of Birth | 16 October 1946 |
| Age | 77 Years Old |
| Occupation | Politician, writer |
| Political Party | Biju Janata Dal (since 1997) |
| Nationality | Indian |
Naveen Patnaik Net Worth 2024
Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, has a net worth estimated between Rs 75 crore to Rs 85 crore as of 2024. His wealth primarily stems from his political career, which spanned over two decades. Notably, he resigned from his position after the defeat of his party in the 2024 assembly elections in Odisha. Additionally, his total declared assets amount to approximately 71 Crore INR, including both movable and immovable assets. Despite the electoral setback, Patnaik’s financial standing remains substantial, reflecting his long-standing political influence and contributions to the state.
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BJD Chief Patnaik’s Assets Increase by Over Rs 7 Crore in Five Years
Patnaik has declared assets valued at Rs 71.07 crore, an increase of over Rs 7 crore in the past five years, according to the affidavit he filed with the Election Commission. In 2019, the BJD leader reported assets worth Rs 63.87 crore. The latest affidavit details movable assets totaling over Rs 14.05 crore and immovable properties valued at Rs 57.02 crore.
Details of Patnaik’s Movable Assets
His movable assets comprise term deposits in various banks and post offices. According to the affidavit, the chief minister owns 45.77 grams of rubies, diamonds, and silver buttons (five pieces) valued at approximately Rs 4.17 lakh.
Overview of Patnaik’s Immovable Assets
Among his immovable assets are the Rs 13.66-crore Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar and a Rs 43.35-crore house on APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi. Patnaik holds a 50 percent share in the New Delhi residence and a two-thirds share in Naveen Niwas, Bhubaneswar.
Ambassador Car, Cash, and Income Details
Patnaik also disclosed that he has Rs 30,000 in cash and owns a 1980-model Ambassador car. The current value of the vehicle is Rs 6,434, down from Rs 8,905 five years ago. His income for the year 2022-23 is reported as Rs 92,24,900 in his tax return.
Biography of Naveen Patnaik
Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, was born on October 16, 1946, in Cuttack, to Biju Patnaik, also a former Chief Minister of Odisha, and his wife, Gyan Devi. Patnaik’s early education was at Welham Boys’ School in Dehradun and later at The Doon School. During his time at Doon, he was a classmate of Sanjay Gandhi and three years junior to Rajiv Gandhi, who later became Prime Minister of India. After completing his schooling, Patnaik attended Kirori Mal College at Delhi University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Despite his political lineage, Patnaik spent much of his youth away from politics and Odisha, focusing on his interests in writing. However, following the death of his father, Biju Patnaik, in 1997, he entered politics. That same year, he founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), named in honor of his father. The BJD, in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), won the state election, and Naveen Patnaik became the Chief Minister of Odisha.
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Patnaik’s leadership style is characterized by his mild mannerism, a strong stand against corruption, and pro-poor policies, which have earned him a substantial support base in Odisha. This support has been a significant factor in his re-election for five consecutive terms. Like his father, Patnaik has effectively controlled the bureaucracy, transforming it into a powerful tool for state development. His simple personal lifestyle and detachment from material possessions have also resonated well with the people of Odisha.
In addition to his political career, Naveen Patnaik is one of the founding members of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). He has also authored several books, reflecting his passion for writing. Patnaik’s elder sister, Gita Mehta, is a well-known writer.
Political Career of Naveen Patnaik
Entry into Politics and Early Positions
After the death of his father, Biju Patnaik, leader of the Janata Dal, Naveen Patnaik entered politics and was elected as a member of the 11th Lok Sabha in a by-election from the Aska Parliamentary Constituency in Odisha. During this period, he served on several committees, including the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Steel & Mines, the Standing Committee on Commerce, and the Library Committee of Parliament.
Formation of Biju Janata Dal
In December 1997, Naveen Patnaik split from the Janata Dal and founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The new party, in alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), performed well, leading to Patnaik’s selection as the Union Minister for Mines in the cabinet of Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee.
Elections 2000
In the 2000 Odisha Assembly election, the BJD, in alliance with the BJP, won a majority of seats. Patnaik resigned from his Union cabinet position and was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Odisha.
Elections 2004
Although the BJP-led NDA lost the 2004 general elections, the coalition led by Naveen Patnaik emerged victorious in the Odisha state legislative elections, allowing him to continue as Chief Minister. This period saw increasing friction between the ruling partners, especially following the 2007-2008 Kandhamal violence.
Elections 2009
Ahead of the 2009 elections, Patnaik severed ties with the BJP and left the NDA, joining the Third Front, which included the Left Front and other regional parties. Criticizing the BJP’s involvement in the Kandhamal riots, the BJD won a resounding victory in both the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha elections. Patnaik was sworn in as Chief Minister for the third consecutive term on May 21, 2009.
Elections 2014
In the 2014 general and state assembly elections, Patnaik’s BJD achieved a sweeping victory, securing 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha and 117 out of 147 seats in the Odisha Vidhan Sabha.
Elections 2019
Despite a strong BJP wave across the country, the BJD under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership won 112 out of 146 seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and 12 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 general elections.
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Elections 2024 Results
Naveen Patnaik’s Resignation
Marking the end of his 24-year rule in Odisha, BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik resigned as the Chief Minister after the defeat of his party in the assembly elections.
He handed over his resignation letter to Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan. Despite several BJD leaders gathering at his residence, Patnaik came alone to tender his resignation.
Seat Distribution
The BJP secured 78 out of 147 assembly seats, while the BJD managed to win only 51 seats.
Congress won 14 constituencies, and CPI (M) secured one seat. Additionally, three Independent candidates emerged victorious.
Hinjili Assembly Constituency
In the Hinjili assembly constituency of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik (BJD) is currently in the lead with a margin of 1163 votes, while the BJP candidate Sisir Kumar Mishra is trailing behind.
Exit Polls
According to India Today-Axis My India exit poll, BJP was expected to secure 62 to 80 seats, while BJD under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership was projected to win 62 to 80 seats.
The election results were announced on June 4, 2024. Naveen Patnaik had served as Chief Minister since March 5, 2000, before resigning after the election defeat.
Naveen Patnaik as an Author
Naveen Patnaik is known for both his politics and his writing. He’s made a big impact with his books on Indian history, culture, and nature. In “A Second Paradise: Indian Courtly Life 1590–1947” (1985), he talks about how people lived in fancy courts in India from long ago until almost 1950.
Then in “A Desert Kingdom: The Rajputs of Bikaner” (1990), he explores the history and customs of one of India’s important royal families. His book “The Garden of Life: An Introduction to the Healing Plants of India” (1993) is all about plants in India that have healing powers, showing how nature connects with our health. Patnaik’s writing helps us understand India’s past and appreciate its natural wonders.
Major Source: The Economic Times, Wikipedia
