Bhubaneswar, April 17 -- Odisha's former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik on Thursday filed his nomination for the post of BJD president, marking his bid for a ninth consecutive term.

Speaking at a press conference, BJD State Returning Officer (SRO) and party MLA Pratap Keshari Deb confirmed that Patnaik was the sole nominee for the top post.

"We are currently in the process of conducting the party's organisational elections. Today, Naveen Patnaik filed his nomination between 10 AM and 1 PM, the designated time slot. Since there is only one nomination, he will be declared the next party president," Deb said.

The official announcement of Patnaik's unopposed election is expected the day after tomorrow, foll...