Bhubaneswar: The Odisha unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today announced a new programme - 'Nua Odisha Nirman Abhiyan' which is seen as a countermeasure to 'Biju Yuva Vahini' programme of the ruling Biju Janta Dal (BJD) in State.
Announcing the 'Nua Odisha Nirman Abhiyan' today, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the party will identify 25 youths from each panchayat in the State who will take oath on April 1 at Chandrabhaga in Puri district and these youths will be instrumental in the formation of new Odisha.
The 'Nua Odisha Nirman Abhiyan' of the BJP is believed to be a deliberate attempt to counter the ruling party's 'Biju Yuva Vahini' scheme.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Utkal Diwas, both the BJP and the BJD are leaving no stone unturned to outplay each other.
Like the BJD, the BJP has decided to organise an event on the occasion of Utkal Diwas (April 1) at Baramunda playground in Bhubaneswar which will be attended by Padma Shri Kailash Kher.
The BJD has decided to observe Utkal Diwas at a district level with MLAs, ministers and Zilla Parishad members attending various programmes across the State. Party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will be taking part in the celebrations in Bhubaneswar.
On the other hand, Congress has alleged that both the BJP and BJD are trying to hijack Utkal Diwas for vested political interests.
"The BJP and the BJD think Utkal Diwas is their parental property. They are trying to divide the people and the State. It's unfortunate for the people of Odisha," said Congress MLA from Jeypore, Tara Prasad Bahinipati.