Members of Odisha's opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) staged widespread protests across all 30 districts on Thursday, opposing the BJP-led state government’s decision to dissociate former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik's name from the Panchayati Raj Divas, traditionally observed on his birth anniversary, March 5.
The demonstrations come a day after BJD President Naveen Patnaik accused the ruling BJP of attempting to "erase the legacy" of Odisha's iconic leader. Naveen Patnaik criticized the BJP’s move as a clear example of "immature politics."
The controversy arose when the BJP government announced plans to observe Panchayati Raj Divas separately on April 24, aligning with the national schedule, instead of the state-specific date of March 5, commemorating Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed the change, triggering immediate backlash from the BJD.
Expressing strong dissent, Naveen Patnaik and senior BJD leaders had boycotted the official state event celebrating ‘Biju Jayanti’ on Wednesday evening.
On Thursday, BJD supporters took to the streets, carrying banners, posters, and shouting slogans against the ruling BJP government. Road blockades were organized, and tyres were burnt at several locations, significantly disrupting traffic and daily life in various districts.
In Khurda's Begunia Bazaar area, the protest intensified when agitators stopped the vehicle of Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, who was heading towards Bhubaneswar. Police intervention eventually cleared the roadblock, allowing the minister to proceed.
Additionally, BJD leaders submitted a formal memorandum to the Odisha Governor, urging intervention against what they described as the "unfair delinking" of Biju Patnaik’s name from Panchayati Raj Divas.
Responding to the opposition’s boycott and protests, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi condemned the BJD's actions, stating those who skipped the official ‘Biju Jayanti’ event committed a "sin." Majhi emphasized that his government remains committed to realizing Biju Patnaik’s vision of a prosperous Odisha—a goal he claims the BJD failed to achieve despite ruling the state for the last 24 years.
The ongoing political tension underscores the deeply embedded reverence for Biju Patnaik’s legacy in Odisha’s political landscape and sets the stage for intensified rivalry between the BJD and BJP ahead of future electoral battles.
The demonstrations come a day after BJD President Naveen Patnaik accused the ruling BJP of attempting to "erase the legacy" of Odisha's iconic leader. Naveen Patnaik criticized the BJP’s move as a clear example of "immature politics."
What Sparked the Protests?
The controversy arose when the BJP government announced plans to observe Panchayati Raj Divas separately on April 24, aligning with the national schedule, instead of the state-specific date of March 5, commemorating Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) confirmed the change, triggering immediate backlash from the BJD.
Expressing strong dissent, Naveen Patnaik and senior BJD leaders had boycotted the official state event celebrating ‘Biju Jayanti’ on Wednesday evening.
Protests Spread Across Odisha
On Thursday, BJD supporters took to the streets, carrying banners, posters, and shouting slogans against the ruling BJP government. Road blockades were organized, and tyres were burnt at several locations, significantly disrupting traffic and daily life in various districts.
In Khurda's Begunia Bazaar area, the protest intensified when agitators stopped the vehicle of Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, who was heading towards Bhubaneswar. Police intervention eventually cleared the roadblock, allowing the minister to proceed.
Additionally, BJD leaders submitted a formal memorandum to the Odisha Governor, urging intervention against what they described as the "unfair delinking" of Biju Patnaik’s name from Panchayati Raj Divas.
BJP Defends the Decision
Responding to the opposition’s boycott and protests, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi condemned the BJD's actions, stating those who skipped the official ‘Biju Jayanti’ event committed a "sin." Majhi emphasized that his government remains committed to realizing Biju Patnaik’s vision of a prosperous Odisha—a goal he claims the BJD failed to achieve despite ruling the state for the last 24 years.
The ongoing political tension underscores the deeply embedded reverence for Biju Patnaik’s legacy in Odisha’s political landscape and sets the stage for intensified rivalry between the BJD and BJP ahead of future electoral battles.
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