BJD Turns 28: A Legacy of Value-based Politics and Commitment to Development of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Today Biju Janata Dal is celebrating its 28th Foundation Day today. On this day in 1997, it was founded by Naveen Patnaik – the able son of legendary leader and great freedom fighter Biju Patnaik to give a new direction to the state’s development and growth in the new millennium. Ever since the political party evolved led by Naveen Patnaik, it has been constantly thriving for the transformation of Odisha.

In the last two decades, Odisha has seen many turbulent times but has overcome every impediment with its commitment to the people. Naveen Patnaik, through Biju Janata Dal, has been able to bind the people of Odisha under one umbrella like a family. While he has become a father figure for the four and half crore people, the Biju Janata Dal has become a home for the family members today. It very rare in India to find such a political party like the Biju Janata Dal which has been holding the whole state together and working for the greater good of the Odia people. Following the principles of and legacy of the legendary Biju Babu, the Biju Janata Dal today has become a strong regional party in the country. In the last 27 years, it has been able to cater to the aspirations of the people and taking the state on a growth trajectory that was never seen before. From a state often counted as the most underdeveloped, Odisha has today come out of the oblivion to lead the country and show that welfare of the people should be the priority for all – which the Biju Janata Dal follows in all its actions.

There are very few political parties in India that have come a long way as the Biju Janata Dal. The mass following for the BJD is an outcome of its achievements in fulfilling the people’s aspirations. Led by Naveen Patnaik, the BJD has gained people’s confidence and love by leaps and bounds.

Value-based politics and commitment to the development of Odisha and its people has been the sole aim of the party. BJD has a staunch secular and democratic outlook, and has always taken a firm and unequivocal stand against communal forces. It has always been top on the agenda of the party, since its inception, to fight against corruption in public life and the deliberate and wilful neglect of the State by successive Governments at the Centre. Biju Janata Dal believes in continuously working towards the upliftment of weaker sections of society and fighting against social injustice. The Party has always stood for, supported and advocated in favour of women, youths, farmers, labourers, religious minorities, and the weaker/backward sections of the society.

The legacy of the BJD is firmly anchored on saving life and livelihood from disasters, ensuring food and health security to all the people, political and economic empowerment of women, uplifting millions from poverty and all round development and progress of the State.

The growing popularity of the BJD is solely credited to its supremo Naveen Patnaik, who is adored by millions of people for his crystal clean image, corruption-free and clear vision.

During the BJD government, Naveen’s pro-people and development-oriented policies have made Odisha the fastest developing economy of the country. Odisha became the top destination for investments in the country. The state has set a global benchmark in disaster management, successfully handling natural disasters like devastating flood, phylin, Hudhud, cyclone, drought etc.

In words of BJD President Naveen Patnaik, no household, society, state and country has ever moved forward without empowering its women. The party has also been in the forefront in demanding 33 percent reservation of seats for women in all assemblies and the Parliament. It has been continuously pursuing the matter in various forums in the country.

Mission Shakti programme, which was started by the BJD government, has successfully empowered more than 70 lakh women of the state. Odisha has witnessed incredible transformation in the fields of healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, sports and social infrastructure during the BJD government.