BJD Critiques Odisha Government's Neglect of Panchayati Raj Diwas Celebration

Synopsis

On March 3, the BJD demanded prompt action from the Odisha government regarding the upcoming Panchayati Raj Diwas on March 5, marking the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik. The party expressed concern over the lack of preparations for the celebration, emphasizing the significance of honoring Patnaik’s contributions to the Panchayati Raj system.

Key Takeaways

BJD calls for urgent government intervention.
Panchayati Raj Diwas is celebrated on March 5.
BJD expresses disappointment over lack of preparations.
Biju Patnaik is a key figure in Panchayati Raj's history.
Government urged to respect Patnaik beyond party lines.

Bhubaneswar, March 3 (NationPress) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has urged the state government for urgent action regarding the observance of Panchayati Raj Diwas on March 5, which marks the birth anniversary of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

This significant date has been commemorated as Panchayati Raj Diwas annually in the state.

On Monday, the BJD voiced its dissatisfaction concerning the government's lack of attention to the celebration of Panchayati Raj Diwas.

During a press briefing, senior BJD figure Debi Prasad Mishra stated, "The Panchayati Raj Diwas has been acknowledged on the birthday of Biju Babu since the early 1990s, regardless of the ruling party in Odisha. Past administrations have celebrated it on March 5 since the 90s. It's disheartening that the current Mohan Charan Majhi government has not made any preparations or decisions with only two days remaining until the 109th birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik on March 5."

Mishra further claimed that no formal notification has been dispatched to the district administrations regarding the observance of Panchayati Raj Diwas on March 5.

The senior BJD leader emphasized that Biju Patnaik was instrumental in establishing the Panchayati Raj system, both in Odisha and across India.

He called upon the state administration to promptly send official directions to the district authorities for the celebration of Panchayati Raj Diwas on March 5, to alleviate the discontent among representatives of the Panchayati Raj system in villages statewide.

Mishra also advised the government to honor Biju Patnaik respectfully, transcending party affiliations.

He pointed out that Balwantrai Mehta is recognized as the father of the Panchayati Raj system in India.

Moreover, Biju Patnaik is also regarded as a pioneer of the Panchayati Raj system for advancing rural economies through innovative initiatives like Panchayati Raj industries and empowering local representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions.