Naveen Patnaik took oath as fourth time CM of Odisha

With an incredible consecutive victory in the assembly polls, Naveen Patnaik today took oath as chief minister of Odisha becoming the first politician in the state to become a CM for the fourth time.

Once considered a political novice and a reluctant inheritor of Biju Patnaik’s mantle in 1997, Naveen Patnaik has turned master strategist.

Despite all naysayers predicting a tough challenge from Congress and BJP in the polls, Naveen (67), simply blew away the opposition winning 117 seats in the 147-member assembly, bettering his 2009 record of 103 seats.

So far, JB Patnaik of Congress has become CM of the state for three times.

Naveen’s father Biju Patnaik was CM only twice.

At a glittering function on the lawns of Raj Bhawan here this morning, Naveen was sworn in by Governor SC Jamir with a team of 21 other ministers – 11 Cabinet and 10 Ministers of State.