Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday got a rousing welcome from his supporters at the airport on his return from New Delhi where he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

The entire stretch of road from the airport to Naveen Nivas, a distance of 1 km, was lined up with his supporters and ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers who beat gongs, blew conchs and raised slogans of “Naveen Patnaik zindabad.” The workers carried party flags and pictures of the chief minister.

On Sunday, Naveen was conferred with a lifetime achievement award by the Capital Foundation Society (CFS), a prestigious voluntary organisation that has provided a platform for policy dialogue and debate on issues of national and international importance. Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana presented the award to Naveen.

The reception back in Bhubaneswar must have pleased the chief minister with the area outside the Biju Patnaik airport turning into a virtual sea of humanity. People lined up the entire stretch from the airport to Naveen Nivas, the official residence of the chief minister. The sound of gongs and conchs mixed with the beat of drums to which tribals, attired in their traditional gear, danced.

Naveen rode a specially designed bus from the airport to the Naveen Nivas and kept waving to thousands of his supporters from atop the bus. As thousands of BJD workers cheered him on Naveen dedicated his award to the 4.5 crore of people of Odisha. “Appnna Manee Khussi Ta (If all of you are happy), Mu bhi Bahut Khusi (I am also happy),” Naveen said.

This has been his signature at public gatherings and never fails to enthuse his supporters. While the BJD showcased its strength, BJP’s newly-appointed Odisha-in-charge Sunil Bansal on Tuesday held meetings with senior leaders in Bhubaneswar to make the party ready to face the elections in 2024.

The party also announced that a two-day training programme would be held in Puri from September 13, for strengthening the organisation at the grassroots.It also announced that BJP’s national president J.P. Nadda will arrive in the state on a two-day tour on September 29. He will speak to party leaders and discuss ways of improving its position in the state.