Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is going to observe its 19th foundation day on Monday even as the regional party is already on the back foot over number of controversial issues including the recent one- Bhubaneswar Mayor's alleged link with the engineering student Rishi Mohanty's death.
The party leader and workers are waiting for the foundation day message of the high command. The party has decided to observe it at the constituency level.
"The code of conduct for the polls may come into force at any moment. So, it is not possible to bring all district and block level workers right now", BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said.
"We will reach people with the message of various welfare projects taken up by the government", Deb added.
Shadows of posters and banners of the BJD are found along the lane and by-lane of the Capital city over the foundation day celebration. The Naveen Patnaik-led party have gained success one after another since it was founded. But, BJD-led government has been trapped in many controversies in its fourth term like its leaders' alleged link with tainted ponzi firm, fake gazette notification, malnutrition deaths at Nagada, Gumudumuha firing, children’s death due to Japanese Encephalitis and Dana Majhi incident.
These apart, SUM hospital fire tragedy and much hyped sex video tape and its connection with the engineering student’s death has posed more trouble for the ruling party.
One or two days before the announcement of the date for Panchayat polls, BJD has started campaigning with its own style. The chief minister himself has visited many districts on the pretext of inaugurating welfare projects.
Opposition parties-BJP and Congress- have also left no stone unturned to strengthen their respective base ahead of the Panchayat elections.
Congress state president also continues to visit districts with his supporters and reach people with anti-government slogans.
"It will be a tough fight and we are prepared for that. The voters will support the Congress due to the anti-people policies of the government", Congress leader Pradeep Majhi said.
BJP too intensified its movement against the ruling party after the visit of national president Amit Shah.
"The party is well prepared for the polls. Selection of candidates will be finalised between December 27 and January 2", BJP state president Basant Panda said.