Odisha Government to Honor Biju Patnaik on March 5
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has extended an invitation to Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik to attend a state-level event commemorating the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik. The event will be held on March 5 at Jayadev Bhavan, Bhubaneswar.
This invitation comes amid controversy over the change in Panchayati Raj Diwas celebrations from March 5 to April 24, a decision that has sparked debate across the state.
Mohan Majhi’s Invitation to Naveen Patnaik
In his official letter to BJD president and former CM Naveen Patnaik, Mohan Majhi stated:
“The state government will be celebrating the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik, a great son of Odisha, on March 5. A state-level event is being organized at Jayadev Bhavan from 7 PM to honor the legendary leader. I request you to grace the occasion as a distinguished guest.”
BJD to Hold Parallel Celebrations
Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has announced its own grand celebration of Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary across Odisha on the same day. Naveen Patnaik, along with senior BJD leaders, will attend a separate state-level function at Sankha Bhawan, the party headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
At this event, the former CM will address party leaders and workers, reinforcing Biju Patnaik’s legacy and the party’s commitment to his ideals.
Panchayati Raj Diwas Controversy
For the past three decades, Odisha has observed March 5 as Panchayati Raj Diwas, marking Biju Patnaik’s contributions to grassroots democracy. However, the state government recently shifted the celebration to April 24, aligning it with National Panchayati Raj Day.
As a result, the School and Mass Education Department and Higher Education Department have canceled the March 5 holiday, instructing schools and colleges to remain open. Similar directives have been issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, ensuring that government officials and field functionaries remain on duty.
Political Significance of the Event
The Biju Patnaik birth anniversary celebrations are set to be a major political showdown between BJP and BJD ahead of the Odisha Assembly Elections. While Mohan Majhi’s BJP-led government looks to cement its authority by hosting the official event, Naveen Patnaik’s BJD is determined to assert its legacy by holding independent celebrations.
The event will serve as a platform for both parties to connect with voters, emphasizing their respective visions for Odisha’s future. With elections approaching, the political battle over Biju Patnaik’s legacy is expected to intensify.
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