Bhubaneswar: Amid an invite to attend the state-level function in memory of Biju Patnaik as an ‘distinguished guest’, Leader of Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday hit out at the Mohan Majhi government for shifting Panchayati Raj Diwas from Biju Jayanti on March 5 to April 24.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary at Sakha Bhawan, Naveen termed the decision as an attempt to erase the legacy of the legendary leader. He also questioned the rationale behind altering the date, aligning with the national calendar, when Odisha has been celebrating Panchayati Raj Diwas on the birth anniversary of the former CM since 1993.
“For more than 30 years, the state has celebrated this day. What is the reason for such a decision now? You can change the names of awards, deface his statues, and alter the dates, but cannot take away the love and affection that people have for Biju Babu. The name Biju Babu fills every Odia’s heart with pride and courage,” Naveen said.
The LoP accused the BJP government of having failed to take any action against those who vandalise the statues of Biju Patnaik, while referring to the recent incident at Hanuman Chowk in Mahanga area of Cuttack district.
He also recalled the BJP government’s attempt to rename the Biju Krida Puraskar shortly after coming to power. “It’s unfortunate that just after coming to power in Odisha, the BJP government tried to change the name of the Biju Krida Puraskar. However, faced with strong protests from people, they were forced to backtrack on their decision,” he claimed.
Listing his father’s contributions to the state, Naveen asked whether they would shut down Paradip Port, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Sunabeda, NTPC in Talcher, or institutions like OUAT and NIT Rourkela that bear Biju Patnaik’s imprint.
He also highlighted Biju Patnaik’s contributions to empowering the Panchayati Raj system, particularly his landmark decision to introduce 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) bodies. “Can you deny reservation for women in panchayat bodies when it was Biju Babu who introduced it? Now, they are even trying to change the name of Biju Patnaik International Airport. Can you erase the fact that Biju Babu was a freedom fighter who was jailed for independence? Biju Babu is not just a state leader or national leader, but an international leader. This is nothing but immature politics and small-mindedness,” he added.
Several senior leaders of the BJD also came down heavily on the BJP government for playing politics in the name of Biju Patnaik, who was one of the architect of modern Odisha.
