Renowned writer Gita Mehta today lauded her younger brother Naveen Patnaik as a "great chief minister" Odisha has got.
"I congratulate Odisha for having a great chief minister," the 71-year-old Mehta told reporters after her 67-year-old brother Naveen was sworn in as the chief minister for a record fourth consecutive term.
She also congratulated her brother Naveen for the landslide victory of BJD, the regional party named after their father.
Mehta was the lone member from the legendary Biju Patnaik family to witness Naveen Patnaik taking oath at Raj Bhavan here today. Their brother Prem Patnaik was not seen at the swearing-in ceremony.
According to BJD insiders, Naveen Patnaik is emotionally close to her elder sister Gita, who visits him regularly and attended earlier swearing-in functions.
Gita Mehta divides her time between New York, London and New Delhi.
Clad in an off-green saree, Gita was seen in front row of the VVIPs at the function.
