Politics heats up in Odisha as govt delinks Biju Patnaik Jayanti from Panchayati Raj Divas

A day after the Odisha government decided to delink Biju Patnaik Jayanti from Panchayati Raj Divas and announced March 5 will not be observed as a holiday in the State anymore, the Opposition BJD and Congress lambasted the ruling BJP for the move, on Tuesday.

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“He (Biju Patnaik) had taken steps in 1993 to strengthen Panchayati Raj system. Since those days, the Panchayati Raj system is gradually becoming stronger. Hence, his birthday was then being observed as Panchayati Raj Divas, till the recent times. The present government came to power by talking about Odia Asmita (Odia Pride) but is not respecting the legendary leader,” BJD’s Pramila Mallik alleged while speaking to mediapersons.

“We condemn this step. Biju Patnaik was a ‘Mitra’ (acquaintance) of Vajpayee (the former PM). But, Bharatiya Janata Party offended him (late Patnaik). Observance of the National Panchayati Raj Day was started by Congress in 2010. It (Panchayati Raj Divas) was a holiday and at least they (BJP-led government) should have given the holiday. There was no problem in it. People were recalling him because March 5 was a holiday,” Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Bhakta Charan Das said to OTV.

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari defended the observance of Panchayati Raj Divas on April 24 amid criticism from both the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress. The critique stemmed from differing views on how the legacy of Biju Patnaik, often referred to fondly as Biju Babu, is celebrated.

Minister Pujari stated that Biju Patnaik is a source of pride for Odisha and beyond, not merely a figure belonging to the BJD, but a national icon.

The Revenue Minister noted that while April 24 is marked as National Panchayati Raj Day, no political party, including the BJD or former Janata Dal, observed the date in Odisha.

Pujari expressed curiosity about the necessity of separate commemorations similar to those of Independence Day and Republic Day, underlining the respect Biju Patnaik commands throughout the political arena.

Addressing the suspension of public holiday on March 5, the Revenue Minister argued that the observance of Panchayati Raj Divas merited a holiday. Nevertheless, he questioned the logic behind suspending an entire working day for a mere two-hour programme.

Minister makes Odisha Govt's stance clear

“Biju Babu was a ‘Baraputra’ (great son) of Odisha; does anyone have doubt about it? It is not ‘part’ and ‘counterpart’. BJD thinks that Biju Babu was the party’s property. Biju Babu was rather an asset of the nation. He had brought pride to Odisha. There is no question of disrespecting Biju Babu,” the Revenue Minister expressed.

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“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?” the Revenue Minister questioned.