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BJD Honors Biju Patnaik's Legacy with Statewide 'Prabada Purusha Divas'

The Biju Janata Dal will observe the 29th death anniversary of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik as 'Prabada Purusha Divas' across all assembly constituencies. Events will include traditional rituals, statue garlanding, fruit distribution to patients, blood donation camps, and intellectual discussions on his role in Odisha's development. The announcement comes in the wake of a recent controversy where a BJP MP made allegations about Biju Patnaik's historical role. BJD President Naveen Patnaik, son of the late leader, had strongly condemned those remarks as baseless.

Key Points: BJD Observes Biju Patnaik Death Anniversary as Prabada Purusha Divas

  • Statewide observance planned
  • Rituals and charity events
  • Focus on legacy and contributions
  • Event follows political controversy
2 min read

'Prabada Purusha Divas': BJD announces statewide events on Biju Patnaik's death anniversary ​

BJD announces statewide events for Biju Patnaik's 29th death anniversary, including tributes and blood donation, amid recent political controversy.

"outrageous and baseless - Naveen Patnaik"

Bhubaneswar, April 10

The opposition Biju Janata Dal will observe the 29th death anniversary of former chief minister Biju Patnaik as 'Prabada Purusha Divas' across all the constituencies in the state.​

At a press conference held at Sankha Bhawan(BJD headquarters) here on Friday, senior Party leaders shared details about the programmes to be organised by the party on the occasion of Biju Babu's death anniversary.

Senior Vice-President of BJD Debi Prasad Mishra stated that local leadership across all Assembly constituencies has been instructed to organise the "Prabada Purusha Divas".​

"While the structure of the programs will be decided at the local level, activities such as Tila Tarpana (offering water mixed with black sesame seeds ), garlanding of statues, distribution of fruits to the needy and patients, and blood donation camps will be organised," said Mishra.​

He also stated that instructions have been issued to conduct intellectual discussions on Biju Babu's role in the freedom struggle and the making of modern Odisha.​

The senior BJD leader also emphasised that leaders of the party's frontal organisations will assist in organising these events. ​

The occasion will also be marked by paying deep tributes to the immortal soul of Biju Patnaik while remembering the legendary leader's contributions. Similar programs will also be organised at the BJD headquarters, Sankha Bhawan, by the Bhubaneswar District Unit, as done every year. ​

The BJD leaders in Bhubaneswar will organise the Tila Tarpana ritual at Bindusagar in the morning on the same day. This will be followed by garlanding Biju Babu's statue and distribution of fruits to patients.​

Speaking at the press conference, Bhubaneswar District President and former minister Ashok Panda informed the media persons that an intellectual discussion session will also be organised at the party headquarters.​

Notably, the legendary leader of Odisha was a freedom fighter, aviator, and visionary statesman who shaped modern Odisha's development trajectory.​

A controversy had recently erupted after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, while running his daily series on the alleged misdeeds of the Nehru-Gandhi family, described Biju Patnaik as a "link" between Jawaharlal Nehru, the US government, and the CIA during the Chinese conflict.​

The remarks drew sharp criticism from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, son of Biju Patnaik. Naveen Patnaik expressed shock and called Dubey's statements "outrageous" and "baseless."​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Suresh O
While remembering great leaders is important, these events often feel like political tools for the BJD, especially before elections. I wish the discussion on his contributions was more widespread in schools and colleges, not just party offices.
A
Aman W
The recent controversy by the BJP MP was completely unnecessary and disrespectful. We should not drag our freedom fighters' names into modern political mudslinging. Biju Patnaik's service to the nation is beyond question.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the blend of traditional rituals like Tila Tarpana with community service. As an outsider, I find Odisha's political culture deeply connected to its history and local leaders. The 'Prabada Purusha' title seems very respectful.
R
Rohit P
Good initiative! But I hope the blood donation camps are properly organized with adequate facilities. Sometimes these political events focus more on photo-ops than actual public service. The real tribute would be to work on the issues he cared about.
K
Kavitha C
Aviator, freedom fighter, and chief minister. What a multifaceted personality! The younger generation in Odisha needs to know more about such icons beyond textbook mentions. The intellectual discussions are a step in the right direction.

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