Naveen Patnaik has been ruling Biju Janata Dal since 1997. And, he has been the undisputed and invincible Chief Minister of Odisha for the last 16 years. He is known for taking hard political decisions. There is no leader, who can claim that he/she enjoys his confidence and trust. But, he still rules the roost without any challenge and voices of dissent. He speaks less, but acts swiftly.
Naveen knows how to fix opponents and rivals in other parties. He does not even spare his own partymen. Over the years, he sacked more than a dozen Ministers and leaders whenever he finds little fault. Whether it’s Bijoy Mohapatra or Pyari Mohapatra, he punished all. Poaching Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh ahead of 2014 polls, was one of his shrewd moves, which triggered panic in rival camp. He will keep enjoying his political clout until and unless Odisha finds a better and suitable alternative.