Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the 35 km long human chain from Dhauli to Nandankanan here to mark 80 years completion of formation of Odisha as a separate State.
While inaugurating the mega human chain at a special programme here at Forest park, Patnaik said- "I am delighted that the celebration of Biju Babu's birth centenary and 80th year of the formation of Odisha into a province is being enthusiastically maintained through human chain throughout the blocks of Odisha". He also specially thanked the youth and women mass on the occasion.
People from different walks of life including school and college students, women took part in the programme in Bhubaneswar.
"We are proud enough to take part in the mega human chain on the birth centenary celebration of a legendary leader like Biju Patnaik. He was a person whose heart was very close to the people of Odisha. He is our loving Biju Babu, whose heart was always crying for the poor", said Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) member Chinmay Sahoo, who also participated in the programme.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Narasingh Mishra flayed the BJD-sponsored the human chain programme to make it as its own party programme by utilising public money.
"BJD disrespected Biju Patnaik by utilising public money in organising human chain programmes.If BJD is keen on paying respect to Biju Babu, it should have invited all political parties to attend the event",Mishra said.
The Congress leader also criticised the BJD for not inviting him to the event as it was held infront of his residence.
"The residence in which I’m staying was Biju Patnaik's office. Human chain was held near my house but BJD ignored me", he added.