Bhubaneswar: Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who underwent a surgery for cervical arthritis at a hospital in Mumbai on June 22, extended greetings to the people of Odisha ahead of the annual Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath.

Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly, extended the Ratha Jatra wishes from his hospital bed today. 

“My dear bothers and sisters, I extend my greetings and warm wishes to you all on the occasion of Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath,” said Patnaik, a five-time former Chief Minister, in a video message.

It is worth mentioning here that the BJD supremo underwent a successful surgery for cervical arthritis at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on June 22.

The procedure was carried out under the supervision of renowned cardiologist Dr. Ramakant Panda, who is also Patnaik's personal physician.

The annual Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath and his siblings will be held at Odisha’s Puri town on June 27 (Friday).