New Delhi: Naveen Patnaik, who has served as Odishas Chief Minister since 2000, chose to operate from his personal residence, Naveen Niwas, rather than the official government residence. This decision, which has set a unique precedent, now poses a logistical challenge for the incoming administration.Search for new Chief Ministers residenceWith the BJP winning the recent state elections, the search is on for a new official residence for the incoming Chief Minister. For nearly 24 years, all official and administrative work was conducted from Naveen Niwas, a mansion built by Naveen Patnaiks father and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. Naveen Patnaik made a rare demand to let his office function from his residence only.As the state prepares for this transition, several vacant quarters, including the current Chief Ministers Grievance Cell, have been shortlisted. According to a senior government official, the selected residence will undergo necessary renovations and facility installations to accommodate the new leader. In the meantime, the State Guest House is being prepared as a temporary accommodation for the new Chief Minister.Earlier change of official buildingsPrevious chief ministers, such as Hemananda Biswal and Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, operated from a single-storeyed building near Bhubaneswar Club. In 1995, the Chief Ministers Office was relocated to a two-storeyed building, which currently houses the Chief Ministers Grievance Cell. This building also served as the official residence of Giridhar Gamang.The Patnaik familys original bungalow in Cuttack, known as Anand Bhavan, now functions as a museum. The bungalow, managed by a caretaker for the past five decades, was the birthplace of Biju Patnaiks three children: Prem, Gita, and Naveen. Biju Patnaik also owned a house on Aurangzeb Road in New Delhi, which remains in the familys possession.Election outcome and new governmentNaveen Patnaiks 24-year tenure ended with the BJPs victory in the recent state elections. The BJP secured 78 seats in the 147-member assembly, while the BJD managed 51 seats, the Congress took 14 seats, and three went to Independent candidates. In the Lok Sabha polls, the BJD suffered a significant loss, with the BJP winning 20 out of 21 seats in the state and the Congress winning one.Swearing-in ceremonyThe new BJP government is set to be sworn in tomorrow at 5 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar at 2:30 pm and will proceed to Raj Bhavan from the airport. He will later attend the oath-taking ceremony at Janata Maidan at 5 pm.
