BREAKING: Naveen Patnaik Resigns From CM Post After BJD's Defeat in Odisha Assembly Poll

New Delhi: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik resigned from the post of chief minister of Odisha on Wednesday, June 5. Patnaik's resignation comes after BJD suffered an embarrassing defeat in the Odisha assembly elections, result for which was declared on Tuesday along with the Lok Sabha election results. 

Patnaik's resignation marks the end of his 24-year-rule in Odisha. Patnaik handed over his resignation letter to Governor Raghubar Das at the Raj Bhavan. Patnaik had for the first time taken oath as the chief minister of Odisha on March 5, 2000. 

Though a number of BJD leaders had gathered at Patnaik's residence, he came alone to the governor's house to tender his resignation.

The BJD supremo only waved at waiting journalists and left the premises after submitting his resignation letter.

BJP stormed to power in Odisha by securing 78 of the 147 assembly seats, while the BJD managed to win only 51 seats. Congress bagged 14 constituencies and CPI (M) secured one, while three Independent candidates also emerged victorious. The results were announced on Tuesday.