Bhubaneswar: As patriotic fervour gripped every corner of Odisha on the occasion of 79th Independence Day, opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress celebrated the occasion on Friday with enthusiasm.
In BJD, veteran leader and vice president of the party Debi Prasad Mishra hoisted the national flag at the party’s state headquarters Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Senior leaders Ashok Chandra Panda, Pratap Jena, MLAs Sushant Rout & Anant Narayan Jena and Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das were among those present at the event.
However, BJD president Naveen Patnaik, who is also the leader of opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly, was conspicuous by his absence.
Speaking on the occasion, senior BJD leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and prosperous Odisha. They said the regional party’s vision focuses on economic empowerment of women, creating sustainable job opportunities for the youth, welfare of farmers with higher farm income, and development of tribal and scheduled caste communities.
They also pledged to drive rapid industrial growth, positioning Odisha as a leading hub for manufacturing, investment, and innovation.
Similarly, Congress leaders and workers also celebrated the 79th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at the state party headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
Hoisting the national flag, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters to make India independent.
Claiming that the democratic set up in the country has now collapsed, the PCC chief called upon the people to launch a battle against arbitrary rule and strive to uphold democratic principles and the sanctity of the Constitution.
People must launch a vigorous battle to free the country and the state from the clutches of capitalists and big business houses, he said.
