Biju Patnaik vs Mahinda Deshapriya

Biju Patnaik, a pilot, flew Indonesian Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and other leaders from Java to Singapore and then to India, helping them evade Dutch forces. This act strengthened India-Indonesia ties and demonstrated his personal courage.

Patnaik became Chief Minister of Odisha for the first time, leading a Congress government. His tenure focused on industrial development and irrigation projects, including the Hirakud Dam.

Patnaik founded the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party shortly before his death, breaking away from the Janata Dal. The party became a major political force in Odisha, later led by his son Naveen Patnaik.

Deshapriya was appointed as the Chairman of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, a position he held until 2021. He was tasked with overseeing elections in a country with a history of electoral violence and manipulation, and he worked to ensure free and fair polls.

Deshapriya oversaw the 2015 presidential election, which resulted in the defeat of incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa by Maithripala Sirisena. The election was widely regarded as free and fair, with Deshapriya praised for his impartiality and professionalism in managing the process.

Deshapriya oversaw the 2020 parliamentary election, held during the COVID-19 pandemic. The election resulted in a landslide victory for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) led by Mahinda Rajapaksa. Despite pandemic challenges, the election was conducted without major incidents.

Deshapriya resigned as Election Commissioner in 2021, citing health reasons. His resignation came after a tenure marked by efforts to strengthen electoral institutions and maintain independence from political interference. He was succeeded by Nimal Punchihewa.