Bhubaneswar: Odisha's former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik has a strange relationship with this election in Odisha.
While the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s announcement of dates for the ensuing general elections today coincided with Biju's 98 Birth Day, the second phase of polling in Odisha would be held on April, 17, the Death Anniversary of the legendary leader.
"This is a historic day for us as the ECI announced the poll dates today on Biju babu's Birth Day. The second phase of polling in 11 Lok Sabha seats and 77 assembly seats will be held on April, 17, the death anniversary of the leader," said Damodar Rout who is the BJD vice-president and a former cabinet colleague of Biju Patnaik.
Biju Patnaik had been chief minister of the state twice, once from June 3, 1961 to October 2, 1963 and from March 5, 1990 to March 15, 1995.
However, his younger son Naveen Patnaik has made a record in the state by becoming Chief Minister of Odisha thrice in a row in 2000, 2004 and 2009.
The regional party (Biju Janata Dal) which continued to remain in power in Odisha since 2000, had been named after Biju Patnaik.