India, March 18 -- Amid mounting political heat in Odisha, former chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday clarified the formation of the 'Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation', explaining that it was conceived ahead of his neck surgery to benefit the people of the state, even as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified questions over its timing, intent and transparency.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president said the trust was conceived when he was preparing for a major neck surgery. He said that before undergoing the procedure in Mumbai, he had travelled to Delhi to consult legal and financial experts on setting up the trust.

"When I was expected to go for my serious neck operation in Mumbai, I went to Delhi first for consul...