Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and five-time former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday returned to Odisha following a successful medical procedure in Mumbai.

He arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar on a special flight, where he was warmly received by senior BJD leaders and greeted by thousands of supporters lining the roads to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader.

Patnaik, currently serving as the Leader of Opposition in Odisha, underwent a surgical procedure for cervical arthritis at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on June 22. He had left for Mumbai on June 20 for the treatment.

The surgery, which lasted nearly two hours, was performed under the supervision of renowned cardiologist Dr. Ramakant Panda, who is also Patnaik’s personal physician. A team of skilled surgeons carried out the operation, with support from doctors of the Asian Heart Institute.

His return has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among BJD workers and supporters across the state.