Even though denizens in the Capital city are celebrating its 74th Foundation Day (Rajdhani Pratistha Diwas) on Wednesday and the Odisha government has organised a series of functions to mark the occasion, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi has expressed displeasure for not being invited to attend the event.
Taking to the micro-blogging site Twitter, the Parliamentarian expressed dissatisfaction over the development. She asked the State government what was her fault for her exclusion from the invitees' list.
“13th April today-This day is celebrated as Rajdhani Pratistha Diwas! There is a big function being organised by the State Govt to mark the day. It has invited almost all EXCEPT ME. I have not been invited. Wanted to attend. It is a big day. Why so?? My fault??” tweeted Sarangi.
Meanwhile, the State administration and various organisations have planned various activities to be held in the Capital City on this occasion. It was on April 13, 1948, the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had laid the foundation stone for the city.
Bhubaneswar is one of modern India’s first planned cities, designed by German architect Otto Konigsberger in 1946. The State capital is also known as the ‘Temple City’ which is a confluence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain heritage and includes several ancient temples.
“Bhubaneswar has a very rich history and culture. It is the soil of the great king Kharavela. Once ‘Chandashoka’ was converted to ‘Dharmashoka’ in this land,” said Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das.
Responding to Sarangi’s tweet, State Minister Ashok Panda said that the programme should be organized in a more disciplined manner.
“Khordha district administration and Public Relation Department should have prepared the blueprint of the programme by taking all into account. As per the protocol, everyone should have been invited,” said Panda adding that the issue has not been politicised.
Speaker Surya Narayan Patra also supported Panda by saying that everyone should have been invited for the Foundation Day programme.
On the other hand, President of Capital Day Celebration Committee Pradosh Patnaik said that he is not aware if Sarangi was contacted or not.
“A high-level meeting was held with Chief Secretary and Khordha Collector. I'm not aware if Sarangi was contacted or not. All I can say is that the MP plays a vital role in the development of Bhubaneswar,” said Patnaik.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)