BJP Govt’s Decision Not to Celebrate Panchayati Raj Diwas on March 5 Is a Big Insult to People of Odisha: BJD

Bhubaneswar: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday strongly criticized the BJP-led state government for its decision to celebrate the Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 5 instead of March 5.

The state government’s decision is a big insult to the people of Odisha, said senior BJD leader Pratap Jena.

The BJD sought immediate intervention of the government for the observance of Panchayati Raj Diwas on March 5, the birth anniversary of legendary leader and former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

The birth anniversary of the legendary leader has been observed as Panchayati Raj Diwas every year in the state. Even during the BJP coalition government, Panchayati Raj Day was celebrated on Biju Jayanti.

The decision to celebrate Panchayati Raj Day from March 5 to April 24 is a cowardly act by the BJP government, the BJD said.

Biju Babu is the only Indian whose mortal remains were wrapped in the national flags of three contries. He is an architect in the development of Odisha. Panchayati Raj Diwas is celebrated on the birthday of this legendary leader because Biju Babu introduced the Panchayati Raj system all over India. He used to say that the Panchayat representative is the Chief Minister of the Panchayat. Biju Babu had paved the way for rural development by decentralizing power. He was the first leader in the country to give 33% reservation to women. When a great leader like Atal Bihari Vajpayee had named the Bhubaneswar airport after Biju Babu to remember the legacy of Biju Babu but the incumbent government has decided to observe Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24. It is an insult to the people of Odisha.

The BJD will not remain silent until the state government changes this decision. The people will protest against this, said senior BJD leader Pratap Jena.