TNI Bureau: BJD President and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik issued a clarification regarding the formation of a trust. He confirmed that it was his decision to form the trust which has no links to the party or party funds.

He stated that his father, Biju Patnaik, was widely known for his generosity and philanthropic contributions. At the age of 30, Biju Patnaik had instituted the Kalinga UNESCO Award to promote the popularisation of science and carried out several noble initiatives during his lifetime.

Patnaik further said that he, along with his brother and sister, had donated Anand Bhavan in Cuttack for the people of Odisha. He explained that before travelling to Mumbai for a back surgery, he had first visited Delhi, where he consulted several senior lawyers and chartered accountants. It was during this time that he decided to establish a trust in the name of Biju Patnaik.

He clarified that the trust was created solely for the welfare of the people of Odisha and was initiated with a modest contribution of ₹1 lakh from his personal funds. He firmly stated that the trust has no connection with the BJD or any party funds.

Patnaik added that he felt compelled to issue this clarification in response to negative reports circulating in sections of the media.