Devbrat Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: A day after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the people of Odisha & Odias across the globe to boost the morale of COVID-warriors by singing 'Bande Utkala Janani' on May 30 at 5:30 PM, the Opposition BJP and Congress today came up with a request, wanting to see the CM as the choirmaster of this noble initiative.

Senior BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra said, "The proposal of CM Naveen is a welcome one. There is no question of defying it in these distressing times. But I have a small request. We want CM to be at the Loka Seva Bhawan and sing along with all the leaders. He should sing himself without any technical assistance and we will all extend a hearty support."

My second appeal is to see everyone chant 'Jay Jagannath' after the patriotic song is over, he added.

"As COVID crisis has deepened in State, every person needs the blessings of Lord Jagannath. We must not forget that Lord Jagannath's blessing was, is and will remain a force to fight any eventuality. Keeping this in mind, every person should loudly chant 'Jay Jagannath' thrice after Bande Utkala Janani," said Mohapatra.

Similarly, Odisha PCC chief Niranjan Patnaik appealed to the people of the State to show collective resolve and solidarity by singing 'Bande Utkal Janani' in the battle against a pandemic.

He said, "For the past 20 years, CM Naveen never sought cooperation from the Opposition. This time, it was good to see him reaching out to all the Opposition leaders and requesting to join in honouring the corona warriors. We welcome this and extend complete support. I hope he seeks cooperation in all the future endeavours in view of the betterment of the State."

"I have a request for the CM. If he himself sings with all the leaders outside the State Assembly, the initiative will have a bigger impact," opined the OPCC chief.

In response, senior BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma called upon all the Opposition leaders not to politicise the initiative. "This is not the time for politics. Everyone should come together in the fight against coronavirus. Bande Utkala Janani initiative is an attempt to honour the COVID warriors and motivate them."

As a mark of solidarity with COVID warriors, East Coast Railway (ECoR) informed that 'Bande Utkala Janani' song will be played at railway stations across Odisha on 30th May.

You May Like To Read:

Salute To Corona Warriors: Odisha CM Urges Janata To Sing ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ On May 30

Congress’ Speak Up India Campaign As Dangerous As Virus Itself: Odisha BJP

scrollToTop