Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik turns 73 today

Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik turned 73 on Tuesday and good wishes poured in from all quarters. A host of leaders across the political spectrum wishing him a healthy and long life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for his good health.

Best wishes to Odisha CM Shri Naveen Patnaik Ji on his birthday. Naveen Ji is one of India’s senior-most leaders who has been serving the people of Odisha for many years. May he lead a long and healthy life. @Naveen_Odisha

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 16, 2018

Former Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda and acclaimed Sand Artist Sudarshan Patnaik, among others took to Twitter to wish Patnaik on the occasion.

I wish @Naveen_Odisha a v.happy birthday
I deeply appreciate post cyclone work of Indian forces/ODRAF
& AGAIN offer helicopters at no cost to augment that, as in earlier years.
45 reported dead. Families of the missing wd surely want any additional search/rescue/relief efforts?? https://t.co/tli9Qinkby

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) October 16, 2018

Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik wished the Odisha chief minister with a sand art on the Puri sea beach.

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Hon'ble CM @Naveen_Odisha . May Lord Jagannath bless u with good health and long life. My SandArt at #Puri beach . pic.twitter.com/SYNUnXORCQ

— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) October 16, 2018

Patnaik has decided not to celebrate his birthday this year as a mark of solidarity to the people affected by Cyclone Titli and subsequent floods in some parts of the state.

The Chief Minister has also requested his well-wishers and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party workers and leaders not to organise any function at his residence Naveen Nivas.

A statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office on Monday read, "In view of the cyclone and flood in some parts of our state the chief minister Sri Naveen Patnaik will not receive birthday greetings on Tuesday so well-wishers are requested not to throng at Naveen Nivas."

Worth mentioning, Naveen had not celebrated his birthday in 2013 and 2014 due to cyclones Phailin and Hudhud which had caused huge damage to life and property in Odisha.