Odishatv Bureau

Khurda: The State government has demanded a special train to be named after the renowned freedom fighter Bakshi Jagabandhu to mark the bicentennial celebrations of ‘Paika Rebellion’- an armed uprising against the British East India Company in Odisha.

Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the celebrations here on Wednesday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “On the auspicious occasion of ‘Paika Bidroha’ bicentenary, I demand introduction of a new express train after the name of Bakshi Jagabandhu.”

The chief minister said the State government is soon going to launch a new drinking water scheme ‘Basudha’ for rural areas, where it would be named as Bakshi Jagabandhu Rural Drinking Water Project, and also for urban areas in the state. Rs 1000 crore has also been decided to be allocated for the project, he said.

Cultural Minister Ashok Chandra Panda, Law Minister Arun Sahu, School and Mass Education Minister Debi Mishra, and MP Prasanna Patsani were also present during the concluding ceremony held at Khordha Garh.

It is worthwhile to mention here that Paika Rebellion also famously known as ‘Paika Bidroha’ was a mutiny by local land owning militia in Khurda led by Bakshi Jagabandhu against the British regime way back in 1817.

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