During the Biju Jayanti celebrations at Forest Park in Bhubaneswar, Opposition leader and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik launched a scathing attack on the BJP government for shifting the Panchayati Raj Divas celebrations from March 5 to a different date.
While paying tribute to his father, the legendary statesman Biju Patnaik, Naveen Patnaik questioned the rationale behind altering the date of a day historically observed since 1993. He asserted that while governments may change, Biju Babu would forever remain in the hearts of the people.
Concerns Over Historical Erasure
Naveen expressed dissatisfaction with recent actions to rename prominent institutions and awards associated with Biju Patnaik, including sports awards and the Bhubaneswar airport. He also criticized the administration for its inaction over the vandalism of Biju Babu’s statue, suggesting political motives behind the silence.
Sharp Critique of the BJP Government
The BJD chief challenged the BJP by questioning whether they would dare to shut down landmark institutions such as Paradip Port, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Talcher, and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, which were established under Biju Patnaik’s vision. He accused the government of harboring a narrow-minded and divisive political agenda.
Biju Patnaik’s Enduring Legacy
Highlighting Biju Patnaik’s achievements, Naveen Patnaik praised his father’s pioneering role in establishing the Panchayati Raj system and advocating for a 33% reservation for women. He also mentioned Biju Patnaik’s contributions to Odisha’s development and international diplomacy, including his support for Indonesia’s independence and the institution of the UNESCO Kalinga Award.
A Warning Against Rewriting History
Naveen Patnaik concluded his address by cautioning against attempts to rewrite history, affirming that the people of Odisha would respond strongly. He emphasized that Odias will continue to cherish Biju Patnaik’s legacy with pride and honor, regardless of political maneuvers.
