Bhubaneswar, Mar 5 : Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday strongly criticized the BJP government in Odisha for its decision to change the date of the Panchayati Raj Diwas celebration from March 5 to another date.
Addressing party workers on the occasion of the 109th birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik at the party office, Naveen said that since 1993, March 5 has been observed as Panchayati Raj Diwas in Odisha.
He questioned the BJP government’s decision, saying, “You have decided to shift the date of Panchayati Raj Diwas in an attempt to erase the legacy of the great Biju Patnaik.”
“Let me say one thing—you can change the names of awards, deface his statues, and alter dates, but you cannot take away the love and affection that the people of Odisha have for Biju Babu,” Naveen asserted.
The BJD supremo further said, “Biju Babu lives in the hearts of the people. How will you change that? These incidents have only strengthened the love and respect that people have for him.”
Naveen paid heartfelt tributes to Biju Patnaik, calling him a beloved leader and a great public figure.
He added, “Hearing the words ‘Biju Babu’ fills every Odia’s heart with pride. Courage arises. And the image of a tall man with a large heart, full of bravery and compassion, comes to mind.”
Naveen , the former Chief Minister and son of Biju Patnaik, described his father as a pillar of faith for Odisha’s 4.5 crore people.
He also criticized the BJP government’s previous attempts to rename the Biju Krida Puraskar, stating, “It is very unfortunate that soon after coming to power, the BJP government tried to change the name of the Biju Krida Puraskar. However, faced with strong public protests, they were forced to reverse their decision.”
Naveen further condemned incidents of vandalism involving Biju Patnaik’s statues across the state, saying, “Despite these shameful acts, no action has been taken by the government to punish the culprits.”
He also questioned the rationale behind shifting the Panchayati Raj Diwas celebration from March 5, a date observed for over 30 years.
Additionally, he alleged that the government is attempting to rename the Biju Patnaik International Airport and asked, “Can you erase history? Biju Babu was a freedom fighter and was imprisoned for India’s independence. How many projects will you remove his legacy from?”
“This speaks of immature politics and small-mindedness,” he remarked.
Naveen emphasized that Biju Patnaik did not enter politics for power or positions but was committed to Odisha’s development, pride, and glory.
He highlighted Biju Patnaik’s contributions, including his role in the Indonesian liberation struggle, the UNESCO Kalinga Award, and his historic move to empower the Panchayati Raj system by introducing 33 percent reservation for women.
“Biju Babu believed in empowering people and called the Sarpanch the Chief Minister of the village,” he said, adding that his contributions to strengthening the Panchayati Raj system cannot be ignored.
“For years, some people have tried to distort history, but the people will never let them succeed. History is an open book, and the future will evaluate it impartially.”
He concluded by saying, “You cannot erase a glorious legacy. Biju Babu was not just a state leader or a national leader—he was an international leader and the pride of India.”
“Governments will come and go, but Biju Babu will always remain in the hearts of all Odias. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations,” Naveen remarked.
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 Panchayat Raj Diwas 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 March 5, being the birth anniversary of Odisha’s great leader Biju Patnaik, will be celebrated in a grand manner, but will not be observed as a government holiday.(UNI)
