TV
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has sent a formal invitation to the Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday, requesting his presence at the birth anniversary celebration commemorating Biju Patnaik.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
Invitation Letter
In the letter, CM Majhi expressed the event's significance, urging Naveen to join in honouring the legacy of the former leader.
"My humble respect to you. the State government is celebrating the birth anniversary of the great son of Odisha, the legendary Biju Patnaik. A state-level meeting will be held at the Jayadev Bhawan on this occasion at 7 pm on March 5," read the letter.
"I request you to attend the programme as a special guest. Your graceful presence will dignify the programme," the letter further read.
Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary delinked from Panchayati Raj Divas
Earlier a day before, Odisha government had delinked Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary from Panchayati Raj Divas and declared that March 5 will not be observed as a holiday in the State.
Must Read: Naveen Patnaik’s governance destroyed Odisha, says CM Mohan Majhi
In response, Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticized the move as politically motivated, arguing it erases Biju Patnaik’s legacy. Senior BJD leaders called the decision 'undemocratic' and warned it could create social discord, emphasizing that the March 5 observance was integral to Odisha’s democratic fabric.
While March 5 will no longer be a public holiday linked to Panchayati Raj, the government clarified that Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary will still be commemorated with cultural and political events. BJP leaders affirmed respect for his contributions.
