BJD to install Biju Patnaik’s statue at party office after Odisha Minister’s jibe! 

Just a couple of days after Odisha Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik came down heavily on the BJD, accusing it of doing politics in the name of Biju Babu and slammed the conch party for not having a statue of the tall leader at its headquarters-Sankha Bhawan, the Naveen Patnaik-led party has responded to the accusations on Saturday.

Addressing a presser, BJD leader Snehangini Chhuria said the party has given immense respect to Biju Babu, and there are plans to set up a gigantic statue of the leader at the party’s head office in Bhubaneswar.

Speaking to media, Chhuria said, “Biju Patnaik is our idol. During Naveen Patnaik’s governance, Biju Patnaik’s statues have been installed in every district and he is considered as the idol of Panchayati Raj system.”

“We have plans to install a huge statue of him at the Sankha Bhawan,” she added.

Rabi Naik’s Dig At BJD

Launching a scathing attack on BJD, Naik had said “Is there any statue of Biju Babu at BJD office? Those who are making such tall claims don’t have a statue at their office. They have some other intentions.”

How the controversy started

The controversy erupted after the BJP government delinked Biju Patnaik Jayanti from Panchayati Raj Divas and announced March 5 will not be observed as a holiday in the State anymore. 

“At a time when Panchayati Raj Divas is being observed across India on April 24, how can we stay away from the country? Are we different? How can we fix another date to celebrate the Day?” Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari had questioned.

BJD had launched a state-wide protest on March 6 opposing the Odisha government’s move.