Naveen Patnaik Clarifies Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation Trust Formation
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has clarified that the Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation was established solely as a charitable trust in memory of his father, legendary leader Biju Patnaik.
He emphasised that the trust has no political affiliation and is not connected to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Patnaik highlighted Biju Patnaik’s philanthropic legacy, recalling initiatives such as the Kalinga UNESCO Award and the family’s donation of Anand Bhavan in Cuttack to the people of Odisha.
He said the trust was set up after consultations with senior lawyers and chartered accountants in Delhi and Mumbai, and it began with an initial fund of Rs 1 lakh from his personal resources.
The clarification comes amid political debate after senior leader Pramila Mallik claimed that no such trust existed.
Patnaik’s statement aims to put speculation to rest and reaffirm the trust’s charitable purpose.
