Jajpur/Bhubaneswar: Plans to observe the 150th anniversary of Jajpur Municipality in Odisha one year before its actual date has raised many eyebrows with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today slamming the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) by terming the move as 'politically motivated.'
As the Jajpur Municipality came into existence in 1869, its 150th Anniversary falls in 2019.
As per reports, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will attend a series of programmes organised by the Municipality as part of its 150th Anniversary celebrations which will begin from tomorrow.
During his visit, the CM is likely to inaugurate the renovated Kusuma lake, the MCH building of the district headquarters hospital, Central School and a new bus stand among other projects.
A local BJP leader Udayanath Sahu alleged that the BJD is trying to take political advantage by celebrating the 150th anniversary now as the municipality elections are scheduled in October this year.
"Through the celebration, the BJD is also eyeing the 2019 elections. But the people of Jajpur are not fools," said Sahu.
BJD spokesperson Amar Prasad Satapathy on the other hand said often anniversaries are celebrated ahead of schedule and it's not a big issue.
Meanwhile, huge hoardings and banners have been put up in town to welcome the CM.