The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday paid rich tributes to legendary leader Biju Patnaik on the 29th anniversary of his death, observing the day as “Prabad Purusha Diwas” with emotional homage and a strong political message.
BJD supremo and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik joined virtually from Delhi, urging Odias to rise above party lines and defend the state’s interests in the face of growing concerns over the proposed delimitation exercise.
Biju Patnaik, fondly remembered as a symbol of courage, determination, and Odia pride, passed away on April 17, 1997. The BJD commemorated his memory with a series of programmes, including Tila Tarpan at Bindusagar in the morning, floral tributes at his statues in Forest Park and Airport Square, and a fruit distribution drive for patients at Capital Hospital.
At a solemn homage meeting held at Sankha Bhavan, senior BJD leaders gathered to honour the visionary who shaped modern Odisha. Addressing the gathering virtually, Naveen Patnaik highlighted Biju Babu’s pioneering efforts in women’s empowerment during the 1990s, when he placed women in key constitutional positions. Coinciding with this tribute, Parliament is set to take a final decision on the Women’s Reservation Bill — a development Patnaik described as significant.
“BJD extends its full support to the Women’s Reservation Bill,” Patnaik declared, reaffirming the party’s long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment.
However, the address took a sharper political turn as Patnaik sounded the alarm over the Centre’s proposed delimitation-related legislation. He pointed out the historical neglect of Odisha by successive central governments and warned that the delimitation bill could diminish the state’s proportionate representation in Parliament, posing a direct risk to Odia pride and political identity.
“History bears witness to the continuous neglect faced by Odisha at the hands of the Centre. The delimitation bill has now raised a question mark over Odisha’s political identity,” Patnaik said. He revealed that he had written to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi requesting a special session of the Odisha Assembly to safeguard the state’s interests, but claimed the BJP-led state government had remained a “silent spectator,” prioritising party interests over those of Odisha.
“Is this in line with Odia identity?” Patnaik questioned pointedly.
In a parallel appeal, the BJD president wrote to all Members of Parliament from Odisha, cutting across party affiliations, urging them to unite in Parliament and protect the state’s political voice. “Biju Babu was a symbol of Odia pride. On his death anniversary, a collective effort to protect that pride would be the true tribute to the great leader,” he emphasised.
The event at Shankha Bhavan was coordinated by senior vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra, with Bhubaneswar district president and former minister Ashok Panda delivering the welcome address. Several leaders, including Bhubaneswar Central MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar North MLA Sushant Rout, MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singhdeo, Biju Yuva Janata Dal president Chinmay Sahu, and Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, paid glowing tributes and shared their views.
Following the meeting, senior leaders addressed a press conference to brief the media on the day’s proceedings.
A large number of BJD workers, corporators, former MLAs, and supporters attended the programme, reflecting the deep emotional connect the party continues to maintain with Biju Patnaik’s legacy even after years in opposition.
As debates on women’s reservation and delimitation intensify in Parliament, the BJD’s message on Friday was clear: honouring Biju Babu means not just remembering the past, but fiercely protecting Odisha’s future in the national political landscape.
