Bhubaneswar, Mar 4: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has described the Odisha government’s decision to discontinue observing March 5, the birth anniversary of Biju Babu, as Panchayati Raj Divas as highly unfortunate and a reflection of narrow-mindedness.
In a statement, BJD Coordination Committee Chairman Devi Prasad Mishra said that March 5 has been celebrated as Panchayati Raj Divas in Odisha for the past three decades.
He stated that Odisha has been recognized as a leading state in implementing the Panchayati Raj system in the country.
This achievement was made possible under the leadership of former Chief Minister Biju Babu, prompting the then-state government to designate his birthday as Panchayati Raj Divas.
However, Mishra criticized the current BJP government for reversing this decision, claiming that it has tarnished the glory of Odisha. He asserted that the people of Odisha would judge the BJP government’s actions.
On the other hand, the state government clarified that April 24 is observed as National Panchayati Raj Divas across India.
On this day, awards such as the Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Award and the Mahatma Gandhi Doksha Karma Recruitment Yojana Award are presented to Panchayat representatives from various states.
To maintain consistency in the celebration of Panchayati Raj Divas at both the national and state levels, the Odisha government has decided to observe the occasion on April 24 instead of March 5.
A release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that Public Service Day would also be celebrated on April 24, as approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The statement further clarified that while March 5, the birth anniversary of Odisha’s great leader Biju Patnaik, will be celebrated in a grand manner, it will not be observed as a government holiday. (UNI)
