Odisha paid rich tributes to former Chief Minister and legendary leader Biju Patnaik on his 106th birth anniversary on Saturday.
Several programmes were held across the State, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) headquarters, to mark the birth anniversary of the tall leader.
BJD general secretary (organisation) Pranab Prakash Das, State Planning Board deputy chairperson Sanjay Das Burma, Minister of State for Science and Technology Ashok Panda, senior party leader and MLA Debi Prasad Mishra and others paid floral tributes to the freedom fighter and noted regional satrap.
The party workers called upon the youth of the State to follow Biju Babu’s ideology and thought on the occasion.
“Biju Babu, the great leader, has provided useful insights to the people of Odisha over the five decades. He always tried to find people of Odisha within two words- Kalinga and Kharavela. If we can follow his ideologies, then it will be a real tribute to the legendary leader,” said Das Burma.
Taking to Twitter, CM Naveen Patnaik remembered his father and wrote,” Biju Babu had drawn a detailed plan for the welfare and well-being of the people. His every work was for the self-esteem and glory of the Odia people. Inspired by his ideals, Odisha has now taken the lead in many areas. Remembering his contribution towards the development, I pay rich tribute to the leader on his birth anniversary.”
“The panchayat system has a big role in empowering the people and empowering them. Therefore, Biju Babu always focused on strengthening the Panchayati Raj system. On Panchayati Raj and Lok Seva Diwas, let us remember his contribution and move forward towards building a new Odisha,” the CM wrote.
BJP national Vice President Baijayant Panda also remembered Biju Babu on his birth anniversary.
“My tributes to Biju Patnaik, the prominent freedom fighter, eminent politician, established entrepreneur and industrialist, dare devil pilot and Nationalist on his birth anniversary. Our family shared a close relationship with him and I had the opportunity to learn a lot from him,” Jay Panda tweeted.