Bhubaneswar: BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday addressed concerns surrounding the ‘Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation’ (BNIF), emphasizing that the trust is his personal initiative dedicated solely to charitable work in memory of his late father, Biju Patnaik.
Speaking to the media, Naveen said he had conceived the idea of establishing the foundation prior to undergoing neck surgery in June 2025 and had consulted legal and financial experts in Delhi to ensure proper compliance. “The trust was started with a small sum of ₹1 lakh from my own funds. None of this money came from BJD or any political party,” he clarified.
He underscored that the BNIF has no political affiliations and is committed exclusively to philanthropic activities. Highlighting his father’s legacy, Naveen recalled Biju Patnaik’s donation of the Kalinga UNESCO Prize in Paris at the age of 30 and the gifting of Anand Bhavan in Cuttack to the people of Odisha, reinforcing a family tradition of public service.
The clarification comes after BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal and expelled BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra raised questions about the foundation, alleging possible concealment of facts in election affidavits and suggesting that the trust could be linked to control over party assets. Naveen dismissed these claims, affirming that the trust was established outside Odisha purely for charitable purposes and not for political gain.
By reiterating the foundation’s independent, philanthropic nature, Naveen sought to dispel speculation and reaffirm the BNIF’s mission to serve the people of Odisha.