Bhubaneswar: Even though Naveen Patnaik resigned as Chief Minister of Odisha following his 24-year governance, speculation is growing within the Biju Janata Dal and outside on whether his nephew Arun Patnaik will succeed Naveen.
Though Naveen has not talked about dynastic politics in his interviews, diehard BJD supporters believe that only a Patnaik from the Biju Patnaik family can carry forward the political legacy of Naveen Patnaik.
According to sources, Arun has arrived in Bhubaneswar on Friday evening and is currently residing at Naveen Niwas.
His unexpected visit to Naveen Niwas has set tongues wagging here with speculators saying that he may be the successor of Naveen. His visit to Naveen Niwas has led many to believe that plans are afoot to make him Naveen’s heir.
As per reports, Arun who is son of Naveen’s elder brother Prem Patnaik, reached Bhubaneswar airport Friday evening along with senior BJD leader Kartik Pandian. BJD’s Organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das received them from the airport and the trio later went straightway to Naveen Niwas.
While Pandian and Das returned to their respective places, Arun is reported to have spent the night at Naveen Niwas.
Meanwhile, the speculations are rife that Arun would make his political debut. Besides, many are of the opinion that it is just a courtesy visit by Arun to console his uncle Naveen who faced his first poll defeat ever and Arun will return to Delhi after a short stay in the state capital.
There were a few occasions when the visits of Arun sparked speculation of his joining the BJD.
Notably, late Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy had surprised everyone by openly declaring in 2014 that he would fully support Arun Patnaik in case he decides to join the BJD. Maharathy had stated this when there was a perception about dissidence within the BJD.
Arun had then cleared the air saying “I have no intentions of joining politics right now.”
It is pertinent to mention that Arun is an entrepreneur settled in Delhi.
